Press

"The Southwest Steel Way"

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:59:41 GMT

Southwest Steel Processing was the highest bidder during the annual Chamber luncheon's fundraiser last month.

Southwest Steel Processing was the highest bidder during the annual Chamber luncheon's fundraiser last month. "The Southwest Steel Way" sign has been installed between the Farmers Market and Newport Lake and will remain in place until next year's luncheon. Thank you, SSP, for your support of the Chamber!

POT O' GOLD

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:28:12 GMT

Pot O' Gold is BACK!

Pot O’ Gold is BACK!

Join us on Friday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at The Vault 1916 for an exciting evening of fun, food, and the chance to win BIG!

Tickets are $200 and admit TWO guests
Includes beer, wine, and delicious hors d’oeuvres
Reserve your lucky number for a chance to win $10,000!

All proceeds support the programs and services of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce—so you can have a great time while giving back to your community.

Call 870-523-3618 today to get your tickets before they’re gone!

Don’t miss your chance to strike gold!

Citywide Clean-Up Day

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:25:46 GMT

�� Citywide Clean‑Up Day

New Paragraph

Gen 4 Jets Announces Strategic Partnership with University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy and Central Flying Academy to Launch Pilot Pipeline Program

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:50:44 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gen 4 Jets Announces Strategic Partnership with University of Central Arkansas Aviation

Academy and Central Flying Academy to Launch Pilot Pipeline Program

Newport, Arkansas –March 10, 2026 – Gen 4 Jets, a leading Arkansas-based private jet charter

company dedicated to providing unparalleled luxury travel experiences, is proud to announce a

groundbreaking partnership with the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Aviation Academy

and Central Flying Academy. This collaboration establishes a dedicated pilot pipeline program

designed to cultivate and connect highly trained, vetted aviation professionals with opportunities

in the private charter sector—all right here in the great state of Arkansas.

The new program creates a clear, structured pathway for aspiring pilots trained through UCA

Aviation Academy and Central Flying Academy. Graduates who meet the program's rigorous

standards will receive a guaranteed interview with Gen 4 Jets, addressing the growing demand

for qualified pilots while supporting local talent development. This initiative delivers substantial

value to all involved:

• For Gen 4 Jets, it ensures a reliable source of well-trained, Arkansas-educated pilots who

are already familiar with the region's aviation landscape and committed to excellence in

service.

• For UCA Aviation Academy and Central Flying Academy, it strengthens recruitment

efforts by offering students a tangible career outcome—a direct route to professional

opportunities in private aviation upon successful completion of their training.

• For the state of Arkansas, it boosts economic growth in aviation, retains homegrown

talent, and reinforces the state's role as a hub for high-quality pilot training and

operations.

As a family-owned company deeply rooted in Arkansas, Gen 4 Jets takes immense pride in our

home state and is especially honored to partner with fellow Arkansas-based institutions like

UCA and Central Flying Academy. This collaboration not only addresses a critical need for

skilled pilots in our region of the country but also creates meaningful opportunities for the next

generation of aviation professionals.

"We are excited and honored to join forces with the University of Central Arkansas Aviation

Academy and Central Flying Academy," said Garrett Lassiter, President and Director of

Operations for Gen 4 Jets. "This partnership brings tremendous value to everyone involved. By

providing well-trained, vetted pilots who are trained right here in our home state of Arkansas, we

secure top talent for Gen 4 Jets while helping these outstanding programs attract more students

with a clear path to a guaranteed interview and a rewarding career. It's a win-win for our

companies, our aspiring pilots, and the entire state of Arkansas."

For more information about Gen 4 Jets, visit www.gen4jets.com. To learn about the UCA

Aviation Academy, visit uca.edu/aviation. Details on Central Flying Academy are available at

centralflyingacademy.aero.

About Gen 4 Jets Headquartered in Newport, Arkansas, Gen 4 Jets is a family-owned private jet

charter company offering elite, unforgettable travel experiences with a diverse fleet and a

commitment to exceptional safety, comfort, and customer service.

About University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy The UCA Aviation Academy, in

partnership with Central Flying Academy, provides a highly certified pilot training program that

equips students with the knowledge, skills, and aeronautical experience required for FAA pilot

certification.

About Central Flying Academy Central Flying Academy, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a

premier flight training provider offering comprehensive programs from private pilot certification

through ATP, with a focus on student success and professional development.

Garrett Lassiter

Gen 4 Jets

Garrett@gen4jets.com

www.gen4jets.com

17th Annual Delta Arts Festival

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:03:17 GMT

Artists, Now's The Time to Register

Artists, Now’s the Time to Register!

Be part of the Delta Arts Festival and showcase your work in the heart of Downtown Newport! We’re inviting artists of all mediums to join us for this exciting community celebration.

Delta Arts Festival – June 5 & 6 | Downtown Newport

Join us for two full days of art, music, food, and family fun!

Friday, June 5 | Noon – 6:00 PM

Saturday, June 6 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Stroll through incredible artwork, enjoy live music, grab delicious food, and experience the energy of the arts in Downtown Newport. There’s something for everyone!

Artists, don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable weekend. Artists just click on the link to register. https://pci.jotform.com/form/260284485513055

Community members, mark your calendars and invite your friends!

Come one, come all — we can’t wait to see you there!

88th Annual Chamber Luncheon

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:23:07 GMT

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite you to our 88th Chamber Luncheon!

Friday, March 6, 2026

Arkansas State University–Newport

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

$30 per person

Join us as we celebrate our business community and look ahead because “The Future Starts Here!”

We’ll have:

50/50 Fundraiser

Sign Naming Auction at Newport Lake

Live bidding

Presentation of Annual Awards

Be sure to RSVP by Friday, February 27 to the Chamber at (870) 523-3618 or director@newportchamber.org.

We can’t wait to see everyone there!

#NewportAR #ChamberLuncheon #TheFutureStartsHere

Bark & Brew Market & Cafe

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:40:57 GMT

Bark & Brew Market & Cafe

A ribbon cutting was held today to celebrate the opening of the Bark & Brew Market & Café, located inside the Tech Science building on the Newport High School campus. Students on the go can grab snacks, hot meals, drinks, cappuchinnos, frappes, lattes, lemonade, and more from the market either a la carte or for reimbursable breakfast or lunch. This project was funded through the district's food service budget and is operated by Chartwells. It's a great day for students in Newport!

Congratulations to the Winners of Shop Til You Drop!

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:09:35 GMT

Congratulations to the Winners

of Shop Til You Drop!

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and local Chamber-member retailers have “wrapped up” the 2025 Shop Til You Drop holiday promotion. Thank you to all who have supported our local businesses this holiday season.

$1,000 Shopping Spree Winner - Ricky Walls, Newport

$250 Mini Shopping Spree Winner – Missy Hodo, Newport

Local Food Snack Basket from 2 Chicks Florist & More – Victoria Scott, Newport

Milwaukee Packout Organizer from C&M Ag Depot – Brandi Gould, McCrory

$25 Gift Certificate from Charee’s Emporium – Heather Graham, Newport

Women's Sunglasses from CustomEyes Vision Care – Thressa Bower, Weiner

Men's Sunglasses from CustomEyes Vision Care – Brittney Davis, Newport

$100 Gift Certificate from Darling’s Fine Things – Beverly Helms, Diaz

Tyler Glamorous Wash from Darling Pharmacy – Autumn Brackett, Newport

1 Year of Facials (Every Other Month/6 Total) – Leslie Tinsley, Newport

Swig Pitcher from George Kell Motors – Heather Clark, Tuckerman

Crystal Candy Bowl from More Old Treasures – Beverly Burleson, Newport

Ninja Foodie from More Old Treasures Home – Robin Smith, Newport

Stihl Multi-Directional LED Flashlight – Nathan Dawson, Newark

Stihl Compact Field Knife from Newport Small Engines – Robbie Parks, Newark

$25 Gift Certificate from PB&J’s Café – Patti Mullins, Newport

$25 Gift Certificate form PB&J’s Café – Christi Dilatush, Newport

$100 Gift Card from Postmaster Spirits – Anna Jackson, Newport

Oil Change & Tire Rotation from Quick Lane – Dennis Turner, Tuckerman

Sandwich Platter/Dozen Cookies from Subway – Beth Magness, Newport

Let's celebrate our local retailers all year long!

Participating locations for this year's "shop local" campaign include:

2 Chicks Florist & More Co.

Bridge Brews & Bakery

C&M Ag Depot

Charee’s Emporium

Churchman Building Center

CustomEyes Vision Care

Darling’s Fine Things

Darling Pharmacy

Eddie’s Auto Parts & Glass

Evins Health

The Falwell Method

Fathead Pizza

Gates Eye Care Center

George Kell Motors

George’s of Newport

iCare RX Pharmacy

More Old Treasures

More Old Treasures Home

Newport Small Engines

Norman & Baker Pharmacy

PB&J's Cafe

Penny’s Place

Postmaster Spirits

Quick Lane

Red Tie Meat Shop

Subway in Walmart

The Angry Possum

Congratulations to this year's Festival of Trees winners!

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:06:18 GMT

Congratulations to this year's

Festival of Trees winners!

Thank you to all who stopped by to vote for your favorite trees at Tech Depot! A total of $681 was raised through your $1 donations per vote that will help fund the Scholarship and Arkansas Scholars programs of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. We truly appreciate the efforts of all of this year's participants. Merry Christmas!!!

Holiday Blood Drive

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:15:00 GMT

Holiday Blood Drive

Shake up your holiday tradition and help save lives by donating blood at the Newport Economic Development Commission’s Blood Drive!

Newport Tech Depot
209 Hazel St, Newport, AR 72112

Monday, December 22nd
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The American Red Cross will be onsite, and your donation can make a meaningful difference this season.

Click https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results... to make an appointment.

Make plans to stop by, roll up your sleeve, and give the gift of life!

Bad Boys Hiring Event

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:12:48 GMT

Bad Boy Hiring Event at Tech Depot

Bad Boy Mowers is hosting a Job Fair on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Newport Tech Depot Center, located at 209 Hazel Street in Newport, AR. This event offers a chance to explore exciting career opportunities with one of the region’s leading manufacturers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes and meet directly with managers and HR representatives. Open positions include Shift Supervisor, Fulfillment Supervisor, Inventory Supervisor, Sub-Assembly, Receiving Associate, Shipping Associate, and Team Leads. Whether you're looking to advance your career or start fresh, this is a great opportunity to connect and grow with Bad Boy Mowers. For more details, visit www.badboycountry.com

Holiday Magic in Newport

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:09:48 GMT

Newport Christmas Parade

What an amazing night at Newport's Christmas parade! Thank you to all who entered, watched or volunteered to help make the parade possible. Congratulations to the float winners below.

1st Place Commercial - The Blossoms at Newport
2nd Place Commercial - Merchants & Planters Bank
3rd Place Commercial - Unity Health
1st Place Non-Commercial - Newport Greyhounds 10U Baseball
2nd Place Non-Commercial - ASUN/Ag Tech & Newport Community Garden Initiative
3rd Place Non-Commercial - Jackson County 4-H

Shop Til You Drop

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:17:37 GMT

There's No Place Like Local This Holiday!

Our local retailers have everything you need on your shopping list. When you buy local, more of the money you spend stays in the community which boosts our local economy.

The 2025 “Shop Til You Drop” holiday campaign is officially underway at 25 participating Chamber of Commerce member locations in Newport. By visiting your local retailers, everyone 18 and older will be eligible to register for these great prizes:

$1,000 Shopping Spree Grand Prize

$250 Mini Shopping Spree

Local Foods Snack Basket from 2 Chicks Florist & More

Milwaukee Packout Organizer from C&M Ag Depot

Men’s & Women’s Sunglasses from CustomEyes Vision Care

$100 Gift Certificate from Darling’s Fine Things

Half Gallon Tyler Glamorous Wash from Darling Pharmacy

One Year of Facials Every Other Month/6 Total from The Falwell Method

Swig Pitcher from George Kell Motors

Crystal Candy Bowl with Lid from More Old Treasures

Ninja Foodie from More Old Treasures Home

Stihl Multi-Directional LED Flashlight &

Stihl Compact Field Knife with Belt Pouch from Newport Small Engines

Two $25 Gift Certificates from PB&J’s Café

$100 Gift Certificate from Postmaster Spirits

Oil Change & Ti re Rotation from Quick Lane

Sandwich Platter & Dozen Cookies from Subway in Walmart

To increase chances of winning, be sure to stop by all locations! Participating businesses include 2 Chicks Florist & More Co., The Angry Possum, Blue Bridge Brews & Bakery, C&M Ag Depot, Charee’s Emporium, Churchman Building Center, CustomEyes Vision Care, Darling’s Fine Things, Darling Pharmacy, Eddie’s Auto Parts & Glass, The Falwell Method, Fathead Pizza, Gates Eye Care Center, George Kell Motors, George’s of Newport, iCare RX Pharmacy, More Old Treasures, More Old Treasures Home, Newport Small Engines, Norman & Baker Pharmacy, PB&J's Cafe, Penny’s Place, Postmaster Spirits, Quick Lane, Subway in Walmart

Drawings will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18. The $1,000 shopping spree must be spent in at least five of the participating locations. Must be 18 to enter.

Seibert Real Estate Ribbon Cutting

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:37:57 GMT

Seibert Real Estate Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon cutting was held today for Seibert Real Estate, 503 Hwy 224 in Swifton, to welcome our newest Chamber member! Principal broker and owner Joey Seibert is serving all of Northeast Arkansas including Jackson County for your residential, commercial, land and other real estate needs. Realtor Jeremy Dachs was also in attendance, serving the Paragould area and Northeast Arkansas. "Don't Buy or Sell Alone!" Call 870-624-0055 or email seibertjoey@gmail.com.

Sharks Fish & Chicken Ribbon Cutting

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:32:28 GMT

Newport Welcomes Sharks Fish & Chicken!

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Jackson County's Ansley Dawson to Lead Newport's Christmas Parade as Grand Marshal

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:05:08 GMT

Jackson County's Ansley Dawson to Lead Newport's Christmas Parade as Grand Marshal

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that Ansley Dawson will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Newport Christmas Parade. Dawson, the 2024 Miss Arkansas Rice Festival Queen representing the Arkansas Rice Festival, was crowned the 88 ^th International Rice Festival Queen last month in Crowley, Louisiana—making only the second time in history that an Arkansan has brought home the international title.

Her achievement shines a well-deserved spotlight on the heart of Arkansas rice country.

“The upcoming year is filled with exciting events and opportunities,” said Dawson. “This is truly a blessing, and I am deeply grateful for the honor.”

A Grubbs native and 2023 graduate of the Jackson County School District, Dawson attended Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould before transferring to Arkansas State University-Beebe, where she is pursuing her undergraduate studies as a pre-pharmacy student with plans to enter pharmacy school next year.

The Chamber says Dawson’s selection as grand marshal honors not only her accomplishments but also her deep Jackson County roots and enthusiasm for representing Arkansas’ agricultural heritage.

“Ansley embodies the spirit of Newport—hardworking and full of heart,” said Julie Allen, Chamber director. “We are thrilled to have her leading this year’s parade and we celebrate all that she has accomplished.”

The Newport Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 11 and will travel along Malcolm Avenue from Highway 69 to the Village Mall. For more information, call 870-523-3618 or enter the parade by clicking HERE .

📢 Bad Boy Mowers Hiring Event!

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:59:40 GMT

Bad Boy Mowers Hiring Event!

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Arkansas Sharks Fish & Chips Grand Opening

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:56:40 GMT

Arkansas Sharks Fish & Chips Grand Opening

Join us for a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 17 at Sharks Fish and Chicken, 2210 Malcolm Avenue in Newport for their grand opening!

John 3:17 The Anchor Cottage Ribbon Cutting

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:54:07 GMT

John 3:17 Ministry - The Anchor Cottage - Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon cutting was held today at John 3:17 Ministry for The Anchor Cottage, the fifth and final cottage for its 12-month residential faith-based recovery program for women. The Anchor Cottage name pays tribute to the original ministry, Anchor Pointe Recovery, which now serves around 35 women at any given time. To learn more, visit www.john3:17ministry.org, https://www.facebook.com/John317ministry or call 870-217-5603. Thank you for being a member of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce!

Festival of Trees at Tech Depot

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:38:22 GMT

Festival of Trees at Tech Depot

Enter your business or organization tree in this friendly tree-decorating competition. Trees will be on display in December at Tech Depot, 209 Hazel Street. Trees will be voted on by the public ($1 per vote) with winners announced for Most Comical, Most Traditional, Most Unique and Best Overall Tree. All donations help support the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship and Arkansas Scholars programs.

Free to enter for any business, church, youth group, school group or nonprofit in Jackson County.

Newport Christmas Parade

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:03:07 GMT

Newport Christmas Parade is December 11!

Newport Christmas Parade is December 11

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Newport are excited to present the 2025 Christmas Parade, featuring festive floats, cheerful participants, and a visit from the one and only Santa Claus!

Participation is free and open to all who want to spread holiday cheer. Parade entries are encouraged to create their own holiday-themed floats; however, organizers kindly request that participants not include Santa on their floats, as the official Santa will make his grand appearance at the end of the parade.

The parade route will travel from Riceland Foods to 3rd Street/Malcolm Avenue and end at the Village Mall parking lot. Participants should line up in the parking lot across from Riceland Foods (McLain Street and Hwy. 69) no earlier than 5:00 p.m.

Enter the parking lot from McLain Street, facing Malcolm Avenue.
A line-up crew will be on-site to direct entries to their designated spots.
The area will be crowded — please plan accordingly.
Those leaving a vehicle at the line up area while riding in the parade or those dropping off children should park on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69 and walk across to the lineup area.
Cheerleaders, ROTC, band members, and other walking participants should gather on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69.

All participants are asked to share these details with everyone associated with their entry. The Chamber, City of Newport, and parade organizers are not responsible for injuries or damage. In case of inclement weather, participants will be notified of an alternate parade date.

Floats must be in position no later than 5:30 p.m. for judging. Plaques will be awarded for first through third place in both the commercial/business and non-commercial categories prior to the parade.

Join us for this magical community tradition as Newport comes alive with lights, laughter, and holiday spirit! To enter, go to https://form.jotform.com/252245168437056 or use the QR code below. For more info, call the Chamber office at 870-523-3618.

Newport Fire Department

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:01:35 GMT

Newport Fire Department

The Newport Fire Department has a brand-new ambulance — and it’s a great reflection of the hometown spirit that makes Newport special!

We’re proud of the dedication and service our local first responders provide every day. Thank you for keeping our community safe!

Keep Arkansas Beautiful

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:57:47 GMT

Trashiest Team Clean Up

Newport High School Career & Technical Education CTSO organizations and the ASU-Newport Intro to Education students kicked off the Trashiest Team Cleanup today. Over 100 students picked up 56 bags of trash, 3 tires, pallets, and other debris stretching from the farmers market, Holden Avenue, State Street and McLarty Avenue. Great job to all of today's volunteers!

Newport's Sesquicentennial

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:10:18 GMT

Newport's 150th!

April 5 is Newport’s Sesquicentennial Celebration

A big year is ahead for Newport, Arkansas as we celebrate the 150 ^th anniversary of the city. Join city leaders and visitors for Newport’s Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday, April 5 in the downtown park.

The day will be dedicated to the Proud Past and Bright Future of a wonderful hometown. Activities starting at 8 AM and running to 5 PM will keep those who attend entertained all day long.

The downtown Monster Series is inviting graduating classes of Newport High School to enter a competition to see which one is the best class in Newport’s history. Classes can reserve a tailgate spot for April 5 in the Front Street Park in downtown Newport. Classes will compete for the chance to see their favorite Newport non-profit awarded a $500 donation from the Monster Series. Details on how to earn points are on the registration form.

The Jackson County Historical Society is hosting the “Historic Newport Photo Contest.” Search those old family photo albums for the neatest old pictures of Newport. The photos can feature people, places or things from Newport’s Proud Past. Bring the photos to Tech Depot where they will be scanned and returned to you. Prints of the photos will be on display and judged. Winners will receive cash prizes.

The Rails Along the River Model Railroading Expo will be held in the Iron Mountain Train Depot. Sponsored by the American Legion, the VFW, Arkansas Traveler Hobbies, Dad’s Train Shop and Eagle Rock N Scale Layout, the train exhibit will fascinate young and old alike. Come see why model railroading is a hobby that has captivated people for the last 150 years.

Kids activities will include bounce houses, a petting zoo and more. The day will start with a fishing derby hosted by New Vision Newport Class 20. Help your young person experience the joy of fishing and maybe win prizes.

History buffs will enjoy a special historical exhibit by Jacksonport State Park in the Jane Parnell Building alongside the Historic Photo Contest entries. Vintage videos of Newport’s past will play in the theater side of the Jane Parnell building during the day for those who want to walk down memory lane. The time capsule buried during the Centennial will be opened and the items will be put on display in the Jane Parnell Building for closer observation. A new time capsule will be dedicated and everyone present will be invited to take part in a photo that will be placed in the time capsule to be opened in 2075.

For those who are more competitive, New Vision Newport Class 20 is hosting a Cornhole Tournament. The tournament will pay 100% of the entry fees in prizes to the winning teams. More details about the competition are available on the entry form. New Vision Newport Class 20 will also be selling raffle tickets for a “Welcome Wagon” full of great items made right here in Newport. T-Shirts to commemorate the day will be available at their booth as well.

Vendors are invited to the event. All vendors must register before the day of the event. The cost is $25 per space. Businesses are encouraged to participate as well. Consider an interactive booth that tells the story of how you helped shape the Newport community throughout the years into what it is today.

Tailgate spots are not just for class reunions. If you have a group of friends that would like to reserve a tailgate spot for the day to enjoy the games and the music, you can register your group for a spot. Bring your tent and chairs and sit back and enjoy!

Speaking of music. The music will represent a blast from Newport’s past! Plans are to have the Legendary Pacers honoring Sonny Burgess. Joining the Pacers will be the Gib Ponder Band featuring Gib Ponder and Cliff Plegge from Newport. Gib Ponder played 50 years ago at the Centennial Celebration. The music will be capped off with the stylings of DJ Katrina Williams with a street bash dance party to end the day.

Food will be available at our great downtown restaurants, the Angry Possum and Postmaster Spirits as well as from food trucks representing Fred’s Fish House, PB&J and Tropical Snow. Enjoy the food, the music, the games and all the fun of a huge hometown birthday celebration.

To receive an entry form for the various events, a copy of the entire schedule or to ask any questions call the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at (870) 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org .

Festival of Trees

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 21:06:44 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

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Newport Christmas Parade

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 21:02:37 GMT

Newport Christmas Parade

Newport Christmas Parade

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Join Santa, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Newport for the 2024 Christmas parade! Entry is absolutely free. You may choose your own holiday theme however, it is requested that you do not include a Santa on your float since the official Santa will be at the end of the parade. Participants will be traveling from Riceland Foods to 3rd Street/Malcolm Avenue down to Village Mall parking lot.

LINE UP INSTRUCTIONS: Line up will be held in the parking lot across from Riceland Foods no sooner than 5 p.m. (McLain and Hwy. 69). Participants are asked to enter the parking lot from McLain Street facing Malcolm. There will be a line up crew waiting in the parking lot directing you to one of several lines. The line up area will be very crowded.

If you plan on leaving a vehicle while riding in the parade, please find parking on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69 and walk across to the line up area.

If you are dropping off a parade participant, please do not enter the parking lot.

Cheerleaders, dancers, band participants and other students that are walking will need to meet on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69.

Please share these instructions with everyone associated with your entry. The Chamber, City of Newport and others associated with the parade will not be held responsible for any injuries or damage. In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date.

FLOAT JUDGING: Floats are asked to be in the parking lot no later than 5:30 p.m. for judging. Plaques will be awarded first through third places in both the commercial/business category and non-commercial category prior to the parade.

TO ENTER THE PARADE , please return the following information to the Chamber office, 209 Hazel Street, Newport, AR 72112 or email the completed form to director@newportarchamber.org .

Contact the Chamber office for additional information at 870-523-3618.

Depot Days Festival

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:50:05 GMT

Depot Days Festival

Help us get the word out about Depot Days this year on September 13th & 14th in downtown Newport, Arkansas! Follow this page and then share the post and you will have a chance to win two tickets to the Conductors Reception on Friday, September 13th ($50 value). You'll get food, beverage and indoor facilities passes.

One winner will be drawn on September 9th from those who follow and share!

This is a great line up of award winning gospel, rock, country, blues and modern country rising stars. Make sure to bring your lawn chair and dancing shoes for a great day of live music, vendors and festival food.

Seeing Red

Tumblewood Drive Band

Erin Enderlin

Tina Cossey Band - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087614753177

Tina Cossey

Abby Anderson

Tigirlily Gold

Gospel Writers

Elite Private Charter Air Service Available in Newport, Arkansas

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:39:00 GMT

Elite Private Charter Air Service

Available in Newport, Arkansas

The Newport Economic Development Commission is pleased to announce the location of Gen 4 Jets to the Newport Municipal Airport. Gen 4 Jets is an elite private charter company that is dedicated to providing the ultimate luxury travel experience. The company has a fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft and a team of highly experienced professionals that ensure their clients receive unparalleled comfort, experience and safety. President Garrett Lassiter shared, “We understand that every journey is unique, which is why we are excited to offer personalized and flexible travel solutions tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of our clients.”

Operating out of the Newport Municipal Airport, which has two 5,000-foot runways and a new terminal building, Gen 4 Jets has found a home that will assist them in their ability to offer quality services to residents of Arkansas and surrounding states. “We are pleased to be able to provide luxury private travel through this partnership with Gen 4 Jets.” Mayor Ratliffe said, “This is a resource that gives our existing businesses an additional way to meet their travel needs.”

Gen 4 Jets has an extensive network of global partners and access to thousands of airports worldwide. Their dedicated team can take care of all the details in creating a seamless and stress-free travel experience that allows the flexibility and convenience of booking flights in keeping with the traveler’s schedule, whether for business or pleasure.

“One of the most important things communities can offer businesses is extra time. Having a private charter service in Newport offers businesses in the region valuable added time over commercial travel options. We are excited to bring this resource to Newport and northeast Arkansas,” stated Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission.

The Newport Airport Commission has been working with Gen 4 Jets for several months to build a program that will allow the company and the airport to grow together. Airport Commission Chair James McLarty, a local attorney, added, “We are excited to see the economic growth and opportunity represented by Gen 4 Jets. As the Newport Municipal Airport continues its growth, partnerships like this one are a great addition to air travel for the entire region.”

When looking at the demand for private charter travel in Arkansas, the community has a great resource in the trenches every day. “We see the demand for quality private charter travel growing for both business and vacation travel, not just around the world, but here in Arkansas. We are excited to be a partner with Gen 4 Jets,” voiced Airport Manager Tommy Sanders.

Gen 4 Jets, LLC plans to create 12 new jobs in Jackson County over the next four years, purchase and construct a private facility adjacent to the airport and continue to expand their operations.

For more information on Gen 4 Jets luxury travel, the Newport Municipal Airport or economic development in Newport, please feel free to use the contact information below.

Gen 4 Jets

Garrett Lassiter

870-503-4595

Newport Municipal Airport

Tommy Sanders

870-523-3613

Newport Economic Development Commission

Jon Chadwell

870-523-1009

Jackson County Community Theatre

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:53:28 GMT

Jackson County Community Theatre!

New Paragraph

2023 Shop Til You Drop Holiday Campaign

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:32:48 GMT

There's No Place Like Local This Holiday!

From unique home furnishings, clothing, toys, home decor and sentimental gifts, our local retailers have everything you need on your Christmas list. When you buy local, more of the money you spend stays in the community which boosts our local economy.

The 2023 “Shop Til You Drop” holiday campaign is officially underway at 28 participating locations in Newport. By visiting your local retailers, everyone 18 and older will be eligible to register for these great prizes:

$1,000 Shopping Spree Grand Prize

$250 Mini Shopping Spree

Holiday Wreath from 2 Chicks Florist & More

Blanket from B.I.G. DiamondKiss Bouteek

Banded Nano Sling Backpack from C&M Ag Depot

Men’s & Women’s Frames from CustomEyes Vision Care

$75 Gift Certificate from Darling’s Fine Things

Half Gallon Tyler Regal Wash from Darling Pharmacy

$50 Gift Certificate from Fathead Pizza

Foosball Coffee Table from Jones Home Furnishings

Mini Fridge from Jones Home Furnishings

$50 Gift Certificate from Postmaster Spirits

20 Pound Bottle Plus Fill Up from Scott Petroleum

100 Pound Bottle Plus Fill Up from Scott Petroleum

Sandwich Platter & Dozen Cookies from Subway in Walmart

Two Free Meals from The Angry Possum

Two $15 Gift Certificates from TreeWine Sensations

To increase chances of winning, be sure to stop by all locations! Participating businesses include 2 Chicks Florist & More Co., Attention Medical Supply, B&C Tire, B.I.G. DiamondKiss Bouteek, Blue Bridge Brews & Bakery, C&M Ag Depot, Charee’s Emporium, Churchman Building Center, CustomEyes Vision Care, Darling’s Fine Things, Darling Pharmacy, Eddie’s Auto Parts & Glass, Fathead Pizza, Gates Eye Care Center, George Kell Motors, George’s of Newport, iCare RX Pharmacy, Jones Home Furnishings, Norman & Baker Pharmacy, Penny’s Place, Postmaster Spirits, Quick Lane, Red Tie Meat Shop, Scott Petroleum, Subway in Walmart, The Angry Possum, and TreeWine Sensations.

Drawings will be held on Friday, Dec. 1. The $1,000 shopping spree must be spent in at least five of the participating locations. Must be 18 to enter.

Mary Alice Holden Conner Memorial Park Closed for Maintenance

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:05:12 GMT

Mary Alice Holden Conner Memorial Park Closed For Maintenance

The Mary Alice Holden Conner Memorial Park (2713 Stegall Road) will be closed starting Thursday, November 9, for repairs. The park will be closed for the next three weeks or until further notice.

Public Notice for KOKR Radio

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:06:11 GMT

Public Notice for KOKR Radio

On September 25, 2023, Newport Broadcasting Company, licensee of KOKR,

96.7 MHz, Newport, AR, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for consent

to the assignment of license from Newport Broadcasting Company, to the Bobby D. Caldwell Revocable

Trust. Members of the public wishing to view this application or obtain information about how to

file comments and petitions on the application can visit

Draft Copy « License Modernization « FCC

Public Notice for KNBY Radio

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:01:35 GMT

Public Notice for KNBY Radio

On September 25, 2023, Newport Broadcasting Company, licensee of KNBY, 1280 kHz, Newport, AR, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for consent to the assignment of license from Newport Broadcasting Company, to the Bobby D. Caldwell Revocable Trust. Members of the public wishing to view this application or obtain information about how to file comments and petitions on the application can visit Draft Copy « License Modernization « FCC

25th Annual Depot Days

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:30:52 GMT

25th Annual Depot Days

25 ^th Annual Depot Days

All Types of Southern Music at Its Best

September 16 ^th in Downtown Newport, Arkansas

For Immediate Release

August 18, 2023

Newport, Arkansas

(870) 523-3618

The 25 ^th Annual Depot Days on September 16 ^th features its most diverse range of southern heritage music yet! The festival will open with Crutchfield, a contemporary Christian music band from Malvern, Arkansas. Crutchfield has opened for well-know Christian groups like Crowder and Skillet and will bring their blend of a little rock, a little country, a little pop and a whole lot of faith to the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage in the Front Street Park in downtown Newport.

Following Crutchfield, the ShotGunBillys will have the stage rocking with their high energy blend of southern rock and Memphis blues. Fresh from entertaining 15,000 people at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, ShotGunBillys is coming to rock northeast Arkansas. You won’t be disappointed if you like rock and roll! Over the last 20, years the ShotGunBillys have played across the nation delivering the same doubled-barrel thrills to a sleepy Arkansas Roadhouse, the Daytona Bike Week or in Sturgis.

Next up, two gifted musicians Cameron Kimbrough and Damion “Yella P” Pearson, better known as the Memphissippi Sounds bring their custom blend of urban Memphis hip-hop and north Mississippi hill country blues to the stage. The blues will reach right into you as you hear Yella P on the harmonica or listen to the two riff on their guitars. It will be clear why their debut album received a Blues Award nomination for Best Emerging Artist Album. You’ll see for yourself why they are a King Biscuit Blues Festival favorite.

Kish and Pamela will bring their rocking contemporary country sound to the stage and be sure to entertain you. Kish Moody and Pamela Hopkins, who returns from tour the week before Depot Days, will play many of your favorites and some original music currently on country radio! Get ready for a fun show full of energy and sing along with your favorites.

At this point in the evening, you’ll want to trade your lawn chair for a set of dancing shoes as the Big Dam Horns play your favorite party and dance tunes from the 1960’s through today. Taking their name from Little Rock’s iconic bridge, the 12-member group brings its horn infused one-two punch of jazz, blues, soul and R&B with a little rock and roll thrown in for good measure. They will have you stomping your feet, clapping your hands and dancing the night away.

Headlining the festival will be Chapel Hart, a trio of Mississippi women who sing pure country music the way it was meant to be sung. The group was a huge hit when they competed on America’s Got Talent and their talent propelled them to a spot on the 2023 CMA Television Awards show with their original hit, “You Can Have Him, Jolene.” Danica and Devynn Hart and their cousin Trea Swindale combine their Mississippi roots with Louisiana spunk to put on a high energy show that will show you why they were inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country in 2021.

Not sure you’ve heard songs by all of these acts? Each of the groups has a Facebook page and website with music online, but be careful, if you listen to them, you might just be hooked! Come to Depot Days and enjoy the best that southern music has to offer from Christian to blues to rock to country to soul to R&B there is music that will delight everyone.

Depot Days will have its 25 ^th Annual festival in downtown Newport, Arkansas on September 16 ^th . Vendors and Food Trucks open at 1 pm and great music will play until 9 pm. Come out and enjoy it all! For more information, contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at (870) 523-3618 or visit Depot Days on Facebook.

19th New Vision Leadership Class

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:09:09 GMT

18th New Vision Newport Leadership class now accepting applications!!

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 19 ^th New Vision Newport leadership class. This Chamber-sponsored program will offer class members leadership skills, a greater knowledge of various aspects of our community, on-site visits to local businesses and manufacturers, a trip to Little Rock, team building and relationship building skills. Class members will be given an opportunity to better develop self-confidence, to achieve personal goals and to be a better and more productive citizen in the workplace and the community. With more than 300 alumni to date, many participants move on to hold elected offices, chair important community organizations, join civic clubs and volunteer for community events.

Here are a few comments about the program from last year’s class members:

· “I will use what I have learned to become more involved in public service and civic organizations.”

· “The New Vision Newport program is a great asset to Jackson County. I will be using what I learned in all of my future endeavors.”

· “I plan to go back to work and utilize the leadership skills that I have gained.”

· “My goals for participating in this program were exceeded. I loved it!”

This year’s sessions will begin with a mandatory overnight retreat on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29-30. In order to participate in the class, applicants must be able to attend this retreat. Other sessions are held one day per month at various locations with graduation from the course held in May.

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce will accept applications through Friday, September 8. Class size is limited, so it is imperative to get applications in on time. Tuition fee is $350 if accepted and includes all materials, meals and travel expenses. Businesses and organizations are asked to consider sponsoring an employee or representative.

To request an application or to learn about scholarship opportunities for tuition assistance, contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, 870-523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org .

Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet Thursday, August 10, 2023

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:17:56 GMT

Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet Thursday, August 10, 2023

Tickets on Sale Now!

The 13 ^th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Thursday, Aug. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Newport High School Cafeteria. Hosted by the Newport School District Charitable Foundation, the event will honor the following outstanding graduates with induction into the Newport Alumni Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created to recognize and honor Newport alumni who have made exceptional contributions in their chosen field while exhibiting outstanding leadership, character and service to his/her community.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, 201 Hazel Street in Newport, and are $30 per person. Must RSVP in advance. Checks can be made payable to the NSD Charitable Foundation. For more info, call (870) 523-3618 or email newportfoundation@yahoo.com .

JULIUS PRUITT - A 2004 graduate, Julius Pruitt was a three-sport athlete while at NHS and was named first-team All-Conference and first-team All-State in basketball, football and track. He was the high point winner at ever track meet during his senior year and Conference Champion in the 110 hurdles. After graduation, Julius attended Ouachita Baptist University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in kinesiology. Pruitt set many football records while playing for Ouachita including 1,116 single receiving yards in 2008 (the program’s first and only 1,000-yard receiver), 11 single-season touchdown receptions,

2,406 career receiving yards, 171 career receptions, 24 career touchdown receptions, 77 single-season receptions which led the Gulf South Conference. He is the only wide receiver in Ouachita school history to average 100 yards or more per game in a single season (2008), and the first African American from Ouachita Baptist University to make an active NFL roster. He was named the Bob Lambert OBU Athlete of the Year, Buddy Benson Team MVP, and was a two-time All Gulf South Conference and All Division 2 Super Region honoree. He was named the Associated Press All-American Team, Daktronic’s All-American Team, Don Hansen’s All-American Team and D2 Football.com’s All-American Team. Pruitt was signed by the Miami Dolphins in 2009 as an undrafted free agent. He worked his way up from the practice squad to the active roster in 2010 and became the team’s “Special Team Ace” in 2011 after being activated mid-season against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins were 0-7 at the time and bottom half of the NFL in special teams. Pruitt helped spark the biggest one-season improvement, vaulting from 24th in 2010 to second in 2011 under the guidance of ST Coach Darren Rizzi. He supported and participated in dozens of Miami Dolphins team-sponsored events through recurrent engagement to promote team activities, foster community involvement, and market the organization’s brand during his playing days. Since retiring from the game, Pruitt has continued to do the same with the Miami Dolphins Foundation Food Relief Program, which provided a minimum of 1,000 meals each day for up to a 12-month period to the Miami Gardens and surrounding South Florida communities and Dolphins Cancer Challenge with other Miami Dolphin alumni members to either ride and/or raise money for local cancer research. Pruitt worked with J&M Plastering, Inc. in South Florida since 2013. He came back to Ouachita Baptist University in 2021 as an assistant tight end/fullback coach and assistant strength and conditioning coach. In 2022, he became the team’s running back coach. He is currently pursuing other passions and will be opening a performance center in Arkadelphia called Upfront Performance Enhancement focusing on mobility, agility, speed and wide receiver/running back/tight end training, as well as enhancement services including player evaluations, film analysis, recruiting consultation services, huddle/highlight tape assistance. He also is currently an area Scout group leader for the Reeces Senior Bowl under the guidance of executive director Jim Nagy. Pruitt has been married to his wife Marylen Sevilla Pruitt for eight years. They have four children: Leilani Pruitt (10), Kalei Pruitt (9), Iden Pruitt (7) and Nova Pruitt (5).

DUDLEY DAWSON - Dudley Dawson is a 1981 graduate of Newport where he was a member of the National Honor Society and an all-state performer in football, basketball and as a pole vaulter in track. He was awarded the Tex Plunkett Scholarship by Arkansas State as the top high school journalist in the state after creating his own school newspaper in the sixth grade and filling in as the sports editor of the Newport Daily Independent during the summer of 1980. Dawson had basketball scholarship offers from Harding, Arkansas College, Arkansas Tech and UCA and football offers from Harding, UCA, Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist. But he chose to attend the University of Arkansas with great friend Charles Balentine and work on the Razorback basketball staff under legendary head coaches Eddie Sutton and later Nolan Richardson. Upon graduation in 1986 with a journalism degree from Arkansas, Dawson worked that summer at the Wynne Progress and a year at the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record. He then returned to Fayetteville in 1987 and has covered Arkansas sports for the past 36 years for the Northwest Arkansas Times and the Arkansas Democrat Gazette newspapers, Hawgs Illustrated magazine, Whole Hog Sports and is currently writing for Hogville.net and FearlessFriday.com. Dawson has been a fixture on sports radio in Arkansas since the late 1980s where he routinely brings up the fact of how proud he is to be from Newport. He is the author of two books on Razorback basketball - one detailing the 1994 hoops national championship and the other entitled Razorbacks Handbook, covering the complete history of the hoops program that began in 1922. Dawson and Laura Beth Horne were married in 1985. They had a pair of kids together, Lindsey and Brooks. Laura passed away in 2000 after a valiant 5-year battle with breast cancer. He married fellow 1981 Newport alum Petra Dotson - his high school sweetheart - in 2011 and added a daughter, Camille, and son, Bennett. The pair currently live in Springdale where she is a retired teacher after 30 years in the profession. Dawson has been active over the years in the American Cancer Society, educational charities, coaching youth sports, and working with the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department.

ROBERT D. CRAIG - Robert D. Craig is the third child of the late Roy and Marilyn Craig. He graduated from NHS in 1980. Following high school he attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1984. While in college, he was very active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity and served as its president. Following graduation, he returned to Newport where he worked with his parents at Craig Printing Company, making him a fourth-generation printer in a family business that lasted 96 years. During this time, he also began an appreciation of local history, an interest that has lasted over forty years. This came naturally to him, as some branches of his family have lived within 25 miles of Newport for over 200 years.

Upon returning home after college, Dawson became very active in recording local history. He was interested in the preservation of old Jackson County buildings, and as a result, he started writing about them and other local historical stories. Since the early 1990s, he has written over 40 historical stories for the Jackson County Historical Society’s publication, “The Stream of History,” of which he has served as editor since 2010. He has also written several articles for the Independence County Historical Society’s “Chronicle.” Three of Craig’s articles have been recognized as the best of their subject matter at yearly conferences of the Arkansas Historical Association. In addition, in 2020 his special issue of “The Stream of History,” which was dedicated to Jackson County’s largely unreported Black History, and in which he wrote about half of the content, won the award as the Best County Historical Society Publication in Arkansas, the only instance that recognition has been awarded locally. He has had articles printed in newspapers and works written for special historical occasions. He has given historical presentations at various events, including Jackson County and Independence County historical society meetings and the Arkansas Historical Association annual conference. A member of several historical societies, Craig has been recognized with a Lifetime Membership in the Jackson County Historical Society and the Heritage Award from the Independence County Historical Society. He also was a founding board member of the Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville.

Craig has authored several articles for the online Arkansas Encyclopedia project and currently serves as a reviewer for articles before they are approved for inclusion in the encyclopedia. He was requested to conduct and submit research for a 2017 episode of the PBS show “Who Do You Think You Are?” about actress Mary Steenburgen, a native of Newport. His interest in the history of Newark, where his family published a newspaper for nearly 60 years, led him to research and in 1999 to publish “A History of Newark, Arkansas.” For the past 15 years, he has been researching and writing the history of Jackson County during World War II. This includes a detailed history of the Newport Army Airfield which was constructed here during that time. More importantly, however, it is a history of the Jackson County men, women and children who, through great sacrifice, helped win the war. He is acknowledging the thousands of local men and women who served in the military during that time, especially paying tribute to the roughly 100 men with ties to Jackson County who died during the war. That 300+ page history, for which he is still searching for related material, will be ready for publication in about a year. As an artist, he used those talents to interpret written descriptions to draw several local buildings and scenarios of which there are no photographs. He also was an exhibitor for and served on the board of the Medical Center Art Gallery in Batesville. Following college, Craig continued his involvement with the Sigma Chi Fraternity, helping to form a new undergraduate chapter at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He served as chapter advisor to that organization for 22 years and has remained active in years since being advisor. As a result of his dedication to the fraternity, he was honored by Sigma Chi by being named a member of its Order of Constantine, which is the highest award a member of the fraternity can receive. In 1997, Craig and his family moved to Kennett, Mo., where he began working at a new cotton gin owned by his wife’s parents. He has served as manager of that company since it first opened, and in recent years he has served as president of the Missouri Cotton Ginners Association. Robert and his wife, Beth, are the parents of two sons, Stephen Craig, who is married to Dr. Danielle Craig, and Dalton Craig. The Craig family have been members of the United Methodist churches in both Newport and Kennett.

JOHN G. PENNINGTON - John G. Pennington graduated from NHS in 1969. He was class secretary and voted “Wittiest” in Who’s Who. A proud All-Conference member of the 1968 Greyhound undefeated football team and was honored to play in the last Thanksgiving Day game against Newport’s biggest rival, the Batesville Pioneers, in 1968. After graduation, he enrolled at Arkansas State University and in his sophomore year was elected president of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the youngest in the chapter’s history. He attended college in Madrid, Spain one semester in 1972 and graduated from ASU in 1973. Pennington joined Houston Natural Gas in August 1974 and moved to Houston, Texas. A year later, he and his wife Sue moved to Ft. Stockton, Texas then relocated to Midland, Texas. Two years later they moved back to Newport where John was the office manager at Miller-Newell Engineers. In February 1980, Pennington joined the Brown Jordan Company as assistant credit manager. Ten months later, he was promoted to regional sales manager and moved to Suffolk, Virginia after being promoted to company director. One year later, John became vice president and was responsible for closing the Virginia facility and relocating employees back to Newport. His goal was to consolidate all company facilities to Newport. He then left Brown Jordan and founded The Pennington Group, a manufacturer of patio furniture. Several years later, he began a new career in the automobile industry as a salesman and TV/radio spokesman, where he is today. Pennington served 13 years on the Newport City Council, the Newport Levee Commission and several years as chairman of the Newport School District Charitable Foundation. He and long-time friend, Mike Brand, reestablished the NHS Booster Club and founded the Jackson County Bass Club. He was chosen as the Ambassador of the Year by the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce in 2011. John and his wife, Sue, reside in Newport and have two grown children, daughter Lindsay Tabor and son John Ward Pennington. They have also had the privilege of loving four grandchildren.

NEDC Wins Settlement worth $2.5 Million in Medical Marijuana Lawsuits

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 20:00:42 GMT

NEDC Wins Settlement Worth $2.5 Million in Medical Marijuana Lawsuits

For Immediate Release

Newport Economic Development Commission

Newport, Arkansas

director@newportaredc.org

The Newport Economic Development Commission won a settlement with a value of $2,518,015.00 yesterday in two separate lawsuits concerning the relocation of a medical marijuana cultivator previously located in Newport, Arkansas. In November of 2020, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission approved a transfer of Natural State Wellness, LLC’s license to Good Day Farms, LLC. At that same meeting, the Commission also approved a transfer of location, allowing the facility to move from Newport, Arkansas to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission made a formal request to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission to reverse the decision to move the facility. That request was denied.

In April of 2021, Attorney David Couch, a Newport native, filed a lawsuit for plaintiffs the Newport Economic Development Commission; the City of Newport; the Newport Charitable Foundation and the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board against the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission; the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division; Good Day Farm, LLC; Natural State Wellness, LLC and Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. in Circuit Court of Jackson County. The suit was to recoup economic damages caused by the relocation of the facility.

That lawsuit was followed by another lawsuit in October of 2021 by Couch for the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board to recapture possession of the property sold to Natural State Wellness with all improvements, including the building constructed on the property by Natural State Wellness. The lawsuit against the property owner BLRS was moved to federal court.

On February 22, 2023, a mediation process was held with Couch and Chadwell representing the plaintiffs and individuals and attorneys representing Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. and Good Day Farms, LLC. Through the process, the defendants agreed to a settlement which returned the building and land to the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board, awarded $1,000,000 in cash restitution to the community and covered the legal fees and costs. The total value of the settlement is $2,518,015.00 which is being paid through a negotiated agreement between Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. and Good Day Farms, LLC and a transfer of property from BRLS to the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board.

“We feel vindicated to receive this settlement from Harvest Health and Good Day Farms on behalf of Newport,” stated Jon Chadwell. “We have many exceptional businesses in Newport that are significant partners in growing the community. However, when a business does not live up to its commitments, we feel obligated to take action behalf of the community.” Newport Mayor Derrick Ratliffe said, “The City of Newport has established a very pro-business environment and we are excited to have this building back under local control so we can use it to recruit another company to our community.” This settlement brings an end to the two-year process of seeking restitution for Newport and Jackson County.

2023 Chamber Banquet

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 20:00:00 GMT

2023 Chamber Banquet is February 3

The 85th Newport Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and luncheon will be held Friday, February 3 at ASU-Newport from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include the announcement of 2022 award winners including the friend of tourism, community pride, small business, large business, bright future, manufacturer, ambassador and outstanding citizen awards.

In lieu of a speaker, this year’s luncheon features a game show theme and a friendly competition of “Did You Know?” putting attendees head-to-head for a fun trivia contest with audience members competing for local prizes. A 50/50 raffle will also be held. Tickets for the raffle are $5 each and can be purchased during the event. Raffle ticket sales will be followed by a short auction for the naming of a street sign located at Newport Lake by the Farmers Market. This is a great way to honor someone from your business, organization or community. Come ready to place your bids!

Cost to attend the banquet is $30 per person and is open to the public. Tickets will not be given; however, pre-payment is mandatory in order to reserve your seat. RSVP at the Chamber office at (870) 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org by January 27. Tables of six to eight can also be reserved in advance.

Gränges Announces Ground Breaking

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:45:22 GMT

Gränges Announces Ground Breaking

Gränges breaks ground on battery cathode foil expansion in Newport, Arkansas

NEWPORT, Arkansas (December 19, 2022) – Gränges, a manufacturer of aluminium for various foil applications, broke ground today on an expansion at its Newport facility. The expansion positions Gränges as the first company in the U.S. to invest in battery cathode foil (BCF) production. Today’s announcement builds on previous investments in Newport over the past three years.

“We continue to invest in the foil industry benefiting our customers, employees and the communities in which we operate”, says Gränges Americas President, Patrick Lawlor. “Gränges is excited to lead the way in battery foil development partnering with the State of Arkansas to invest in this exciting new high-growth industry.”

The expansion is a result of increased demand for battery cathode foil in electric vehicles and markets moving toward battery-driven electrification. The expansion will create 43 new jobs and include equipment for finishing and a clean room necessary for BCF production.

“Gränges is a great example of how foreign direct investment improves economic conditions for Arkansas communities, but also how our state’s business climate improves the bottom line for the international companies who choose to locate here,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “From a dedicated workforce to low business costs to a central location for distribution, Arkansas is gaining recognition throughout the world as a state that prioritizes company needs and new technologies from research to market. I’m pleased that Gränges chose Arkansas and look forward to watching them continue to grow and prosper.”

Arkansas was one of several locations being considered for the project and a natural fit given Gränges’ Newport facility has a long history of high-end foil application development.

“Arkansas is pleased that Gränges has selected Newport as the site of this ground-breaking facility,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “We are looking forward to partnering with the company in their efforts to invest in and grow the labor force in Newport as well as increase the domestic production of battery cathode foil. We believe that Arkansas is the perfect fit for what the future has in store for Gränges.”

BCF is a critical component for lithium-ion batteries, which are essential in the production of electric vehicles. Gränges is widely recognized for its global footprint, its focus on sustainability, and its expertise in aluminium alloy development.

“Gränges and the Newport Economic Development Commission have forged a great working relationship that benefits the community and the company,” states Jon Chadwell, Director of Economic Development. “Newport is blessed with great corporate citizens like Gränges, and we are excited to work with them to produce this product that is vital for the future of the automotive industry.”

“Newport has experienced a lot of industrial growth over the last twenty years,” said David Stewart, Mayor of Newport. “Gränges revitalized a practically abandoned plant and brought high paying, quality jobs back to our community. We are so glad they chose Newport for this expansion.”

Gränges expects battery cathode foil production to be available in the first quarter of 2024.

About Gränges

Gränges is an aluminium technology company who drives the development of lighter, smarter, and more sustainable aluminium products and solutions. The company offers advanced materials that enhance efficiency in the customers’ manufacturing process and the performance of the final products. Gränges’ innovative engineering has transformed the industry for more than 125 years, and the company holds leading positions in rolled products for thermal management systems, speciality packaging and selected niche applications. Gränges has production facilities and conducts sales on three continents: Asia, Europe, and Americas. The total annual production capacity amounts to 570 ktonnes. Gränges has 2,700 employees and the share is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information is available at www.granges.com .

For further information, please contact:

Brad Thomas, SVP Strategy, Sales & Marketing Gränges Americas

brad.thomas@granges.com

Tel: +1 615-815-9492

Mobile Workforce Center

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:31:27 GMT

Mobile Workforce Center COMING to Newport EVERY Thursday

Date: December 1, 2022

Contact: Zoe Calkins, Communications Director, Division of Workforce Services, Zoe.Calkins@arkansas.gov

Newport Workforce Center Goes Mobile

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., December 1, 2022 — The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services is taking services on the road. Starting December 1, 2022, ADWS staff will provide services via the Mobile Workforce Center every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Village Mall parking lot [2301 McClain Street, Newport, AR 72112].

The same ADWS employment services provided in the Arkansas Workforce Center will be available via the Mobile Workforce Center, such as job search and résumé assistance, career counseling, referrals, job placement services, and unemployment insurance claim filing. If necessary, individuals may also visit the Batesville Arkansas Workforce Center at 396 Barnett Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.

ADWS is implementing its mobile workforce centers and improved service delivery model to ensure that it can continue to provide timely and responsive services to our customers. ADWS believes this transition to mobile service-delivery will allow staff to better serve the citizens of Arkansas while making the best use of taxpayer dollars.

Mobile Workforce Center - Newport

Starting December 1, 2022 Every Thursday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Village Mall Parking Lot

2301 McClain Street

Newport, AR 72112

Arkansas Workforce Center - Batesville

396 Barnett Drive

Batesville, AR 72501

More Information

For a list of Arkansas Workforce Center locations, visit www.dws.arkansas.gov File for unemployment insurance online at www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov Unemployment Insurance Hotline: 1-844-908-2178

Facebook: facebook.com/arkdws

Twitter: @ArkansasDWS

Mobile Workforce Flyer

Unity Health Appoints Mark Amox as President and CEO

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:14:34 GMT

Unity Health Appoints Mark Amox as President and CEO

UNITY HEALTH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 11, 2022

Jennifer Skinner – Interim Marketing Director

Phone: 501-278-3197

Email: jennifer.skinner@unity-health.org

Unity Health Appoints Mark Amox as President and CEO

SEARCY, Ark. (October 11, 2022) — The Unity Health Board of Directors announced the appointment of Mark Amox, FACHE, as President and Chief Executive Officer effective November 1 ^st .

Amox brings over two decades of healthcare leadership and executive experience to his new role, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Regional Medical Center in San Jose, CA, part of the HCA Healthcare family of hospitals. While at Regional Medical Center, Amox focused on developing strategic partnerships, enhancing key service lines, and overseeing campus expansion and enhancement projects totaling over $200 million dollars.

Prior to his role with Regional Medical Center, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada; President and Chief Executive Officer of El Paso Children’s Hospital in Texas; and Administrator of Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Locally, Amox served for eight years as Administrator of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

“Mark Amox is a great fit for Unity Health because of his expertise in strategic planning, focus on patient safety and quality care, and his experience successfully leading a variety of healthcare organizations,” said Janet Hines, Chair of the Unity Health Board of Directors. “Amox is the right leader to take Unity Health into the next season of growth. Mark has the right mix of executive experience and heartfelt commitment to Arkansas. We are excited he will be at the helm of Unity Health as we exit the pandemic and continue our commitment to provide compassionate care."

“As an Arkansan I am honored at the opportunity to return home to join the Unity Health family of associates,” said Amox. “Unity Health is a remarkable organization dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, close to home. I look forward to building upon this rich tradition of excellence by focusing on our people, our patients and the communities we serve.”

Amox received his Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston at Clear Lake, Texas, and his Bachelor of Arts from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. He is board-certified with the American College of Medical Practice Executives (CMPE) and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

ABOUT THE UNITY HEALTH

As the leading healthcare provider and largest employer in an eight-county area, Unity Health and its more than 2,300 associates strive to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities they serve through compassionate care. Unity Health has more than 150 physicians that specialize in various areas of healthcare.

Unity Health, an Arkansas healthcare system, includes four hospital campuses: White County Medical Center in Searcy, Specialty Care Campus in Searcy, Unity Health in Newport, and opening soon, Unity Health in Jacksonville. The healthcare system includes 13 family practice clinics located in Beebe, Bradford, Cabot, Heber Springs, Newport and Searcy. Specialists and specialty clinics consists of 15 areas of practice including Unity Health - Cardiology Clinic, Unity Health - Orthopaedic and Spine Center and the Pyeatt Family Cancer Center. Unity Health Behavioral Health includes four outpatient clinics: Unity Health – Clarity Health and Wellness clinics in Searcy, Newport, Cabot and Jacksonville and inpatient facilities in Newport and Searcy, and coming soon to Jacksonville. Learn more at Unity-Health.org

"Trashiest Team" Cleanup Contest Seeking Local Teams

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:25:19 GMT

"Trashiest Team" Cleanup Contest Seeking Local Teams

"Trashiest Team” cleanup contest seeking local teams

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is currently recruiting teams to participate in the “Trashiest Team” contest during the Great Arkansas Clean-Up, the annual fall statewide litter pickup campaign promoted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB), a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc. and a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Businesses, organizations and individuals are asked to form a four to six-person team that will pick up trash on a one-mile stretch of road (approximately) either Friday, October 14 or Saturday, October 15. Teams will be competing for the “Trashiest Team” title and trophy, which will be determined by the team that collects the most trash.

Entry forms are available at the Chamber office by calling 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org . Deadline to enter a team is Wednesday, October 12.

18th New Vision Newport Leadership Class Returns

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 13:50:18 GMT

New Vision Newport Returns

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 18th New Vision Newport leadership class. This Chamber-sponsored program will offer class members leadership skills, a greater knowledge of various aspects of our community, on-site visits to local businesses and manufacturers, a trip to Little Rock, team building and relationship building skills. Class members will be given an opportunity to better develop self-confidence, to achieve personal goals and to be a better and more productive citizen in the workplace and the community. With more than 300 alumni to date, many participants move on to hold elected offices, chair important community organizations, join civic clubs and volunteer for community events.

This year’s sessions will begin with a mandatory overnight retreat on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16-17. In order to participate in the class, applicants must be able to attend this retreat. Other sessions are held one day per month at various locations with graduation from the course held in May.

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce will accept applications through Friday, August 12. Class size is limited, so it is imperative to get applications in on time. Tuition fee is $350 if accepted and includes all materials, meals and travel expenses. Businesses and organizations are asked to consider sponsoring an employee or representative.

Click Here for NVN Application

Class 18 Dates & Curriculum Outline

For questions or to learn about scholarship opportunities for tuition assistance, call 870-523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org

12th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 14:45:01 GMT

12th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet

The 12 ^th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Newport Country Club. Hosted by the Newport Special School District Charitable Foundation, the event will honor the following outstanding graduates with induction into the Newport Alumni Hall of Fame.

Jane Parnell, NHS Class of 1964, graduated from Arkansas State University in 1968 and began teaching in Bradford. She later transferred to the Newport School District where she taught Language Arts for 30-plus years until her retirement in 2000. She loved her students and they loved her.

Since age 10, Jane lived her life in Newport where she participated in almost every community activity. She was involved in Chapter R PEO, Newcomers Club and served on the boards of the Newport Planning Commission, Unity Health/Harris Hospital Foundation Board, Jackson County Historical Society, Newport Special School District Charitable Foundation, Newport Country Club, and was on the selection committee for the Edith and Roy Evans Scholarship Fund and the Beverly Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund. She served as president of the Newport Country Club Ladies Golf Association.

After retiring, Jane became a long-distance traveler and went on adventures throughout the United States, Europe and Paradise Island, Nassau. She played on golf courses all over the country and enjoyed playing tournaments with both men and women partners in Newport and around the state of Arkansas, winning several trophies.

Her enormous capacity for love, laughter and compassion is remembered and cherished by those unprepared for the departure of her beautiful energetic spirit. With Jane’s warm smile and quick wit, she was a blessing to all who knew her.

Judge Harold Erwin is a member of the family who helped establish Jackson County and Newport in the 1800s. He graduated from Newport High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a BSBA degree in Banking and Finance. He later graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1974 with a Jurist Doctorate degree.

Upon graduation, he set up his law practice in Newport and became the deputy prosecuting attorney and later was elected City Attorney as well, practicing law while holding those offices. In 1986, he ran for the Circuit Judge’s position in the Third Judicial District which covers Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph and Sharp counties. While in office, he created one of the leading drug court programs in the state, trying to prevent incarcerating people with drug abuse problems.

Judge Erwin was chosen as the “Outstanding Trial Judge” in Arkansas, sponsored by the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association. He is a Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International and a member of the First Baptist Church where he has served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for 36 years. Judge Erwin also helped to bring Explorers Bible Study, an offshoot of the world-wide Bible Study Fellowship for smaller communities, to Newport. He coached many Bradford and Newport High School “Arkansas Mock Trial” teams in competition at the regional and state levels.

Sons of John and Etta Brand, the Brand brothers (Rodney, Rodger and Mike) were raised to be hard working, honest and competitive citizens. The eldest son, Rodney, is a 1965 graduate of NHS. He excelled in track and football during his junior and senior years and was named All-District and All-State linebacker his senior year. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1970 with a BSED degree.

While at U of A, he was starting center for the Razorback football team all four years and was named All-American in 1969. He helped beat Georgia in the 1969 Sugar Bowl, played in the 1970 Sugar Bowl and the 1970 Hula Bowl. He was drafted by the New York Giants and played in the Coaches All-American Game in 1970. He was named to the All-Decade Team for the 1960’s Razorbacks and is a member of the University of Arkansas Hall of Fame.

After college, Rodney worked as a coach & teacher at Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was head coach at Sylvan Hills Junior High. From 1985 to 2000, he served as owner and president of Brands Universal Products Co. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Rodger Brand, a 1969 NHS graduate, was voted “Most Athletic” by his classmates his senior year. He was a three-year letterman as guard and tackle for the football team, earned All-Conference, All-Region, All-State football and was named to the Gazette Super Team. Rodger attended the University of Arkansas for four years where he majored in business. He played for the Razorback football team all four years, earning All Southwest Conference honors as a freshman on the Shoats Team.

After college, Rodger returned to his hometown and participated in many athletic organizations and civic clubs. He coached t-ball and pee wee football, umpired both Little League and Pony League baseball, and joined the Jaycee’s and Greyhound Booster Club. He was chosen as a Paul Harris Fellow by Newport Rotary Club where he served as president. Rodger captured the Newport Country Club championship four times and has served as club president twice and vice president eight times. He is an active member of First Baptist Church.

Upon returning to Newport, Rodger started B&D Insurance with classmate Terry Dillon. He then moved onto serve as manager of Independence Savings & Loan for four years followed by a 25-year career at C&C Distributors where he became vice president. He is currently owner of BJ & Kids Self Storage business and owns B&B Investment Co. with his brother, Mike.

Youngest brother Mike, NHS Class of 1970, was a three-year letterman for Greyhound football as center and linebacker, earning All-Conference, All-Region and All-State plus an undefeated season in 1968. He was voted “Best All Around” by his senior classmates. Mike earned a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas and also worked four years toward a business degree. He played on the last “Shoat Team” in football at U of A.

Mike chose to return home to Newport after college where he re-started the Newport Booster Club with John Pennington, sponsored Friday Night Football for many years, started the Jackson County Bass Club and was co-chairman of the local Ducks Unlimited organization. He was a member of Lions Club and served several years on the Newport Country Club tournament committee. He is a faithful member of First Methodist Church.

Mike joined his father in the auto repair business, and upon his father’s retirement, he continued to run the successful company. He served as president of the Northwest Arkansas Body Repair Association, has been an advisor to the ASUN Auto Repair Program and has been voted “Best Auto Repair Shop” numerous times by the people of Jackson County. He currently owns B&B Investments with his brother, Rodger, and Brand ² Investment Co. with his son, Michael.

At age 93, Etta Brand still cheers on her “boys” to be great citizens.

The Hall of Fame was created to recognize and honor Newport alumni who have made exceptional contributions in their chosen field while exhibiting outstanding leadership, character and service to his/her community.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, 201 Hazel Street in Newport, and are $30 per person. Checks can be made payable to the NSD Charitable Foundation. For more info, call (870) 523-3618 or email newportfoundation@yahoo.com .

Newport under Burn Ban

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:14:09 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Newport is under a burn ban and fire works are illegal inside the City limits of Newport.

2022 Kids' Fest Brings Family Fun to Downtown Newport

Thu, 05 May 2022 16:20:37 GMT

Kids' Fest Brings Family Fun to Downtown Newport

For Immediate Release

May 4, 2022

Newport, Arkansas

Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort

For more information call (870) 523-3618

Newport is pleased to announce that the Monster Kids’ Fest will be held downtown on Saturday, May 14. The event will be from Noon to 6 p.m. and features activities for children of all ages. Admission and all the attractions are free-of-charge thanks to the generous sponsors for Monster Nights Downtown Entertainment Series.

On the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage, Kids Fest welcomes the All-Star Stunt Dogs Show for three interactive performances at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. This must-see show will entertain people of all ages. From back flips, handstands, big air stunts, to amazing tricks; these “All-Star Stunt Dogs” are thrilling the nation. You may even recognize the stars from Good Morning America, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Oprah Winfrey show, Queen Latifah Show, NatGeo Wild, Animal Planet, Disney Plus, the Rose Parade, or from commercials. What makes these stunt dogs so special? Besides their talent for the flipping, jumping, and racing, all of these amazing pooches have been adopted out of shelters from across the country and turned into stars. Their mission is to promote the importance of pet adoption, spay & neutering, and encourage people to be responsible pet owners. The louder you cheer the more air the dogs get! So come join the “Dog-Gone Fun” at Kids Fest.

While downtown, stop by to see Arkansas-based Hulsey Amusements who will be bringing a few carnival rides to downtown Newport including a water canoe ride, train ride, parachute ride and 50-foot Frolic ride. Rides will be located in the gravel lot on Front Street.

The Jane Parnell Performance Hall across from the Depot on Front Street will be transformed into a children’s activity zone. Join volunteers from ASU-Newport for free arts & crafts, balloon art and a wide range of fun activities that will entertain children for hours. While there, be sure to register your child for great prizes to be drawn on stage at 6 p.m. including a Meta Quest 2 All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset, a Pyle Karaoke Party Bluetooth Speaker System and gift cards.

Surrounding the downtown park, Hog Wild Entertainment will be bringing a spider jump attraction, bounce houses, a giant dual slide, a three piece 65-foot obstacle course and a three-person gyroscope. New this year, Hog Wild will also offer a two-lane bungee run and a giant Twister game. For the really adventurous, try out the 25-foot rock climbing wall to test your climbing skills.

Cockrill’s Country Critters will bring a wide variety of animals to the festival and pony rides throughout the day under the big tent beside the Iron Mountain Depot. Let your little ones get up close with animals large and small. Other attractions include the Farm Bureau Milking Cow, Jacksonport State Park educational booth and much more.

Make plans to attend Kids’ Fest on May 14 in downtown Newport, Arkansas beginning at Noon. Admission and parking are free. Food trucks will be on site including Hot Dog Heroes, Fathead Grill and Long’s Tropical Sno. The day will be guaranteed to delight your children. In the event of inclement weather, check the Monster Nights page on Facebook for the day’s alternate indoor plans. Call (870) 523-3618 for more information.

Stop Light at Third and Walnut Street Has Been Repaired

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:31:14 GMT

Stop Light at Third and Walnut Street Has Been Repaired

The stop light at Third and Walnut Streets by the Jackson County Library should be back in working condition this afternoon. The barrier in front of the library will be removed at the time the light is turned on, and traffic flow return a two-way street. Mayor David Stewart encourages everyone to use caution at the light since it has not been in use for many months.

Dr. Jabez Jackson, Jr. Named Christmas Parade Grand Marshal

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:27:26 GMT

Dr. Jabez Jackson, Jr. named this year's Christmas Parade Grand Marshal

Dr. Jabez Jackson, Jr. named this year's Christmas parade grand marshal!

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to honor Dr. Jabez Jackson, Jr. as the Grand Marshal for the 2021 Newport Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 9. Dr. Jackson officially retired in September after 47 years of service to his patients and the community.

Dr. Jackson has been in private practice in Newport since September 1974. He delivered the first test tube babies in Jackson County – a set of triplets conceived by in-vitro. He has delivered over 10,000 babies throughout his career while balancing a gynecology practice and has always been at the forefront in educating women on the importance of check ups and preventive healthcare.

In December 2005, Dr. Jackson was honored by the hospital with the dedication of the obstetrics unit as “The Dr. Jabez F. Jackson, Jr. Obstetrical Center.”

He has also been a pillar in the community, having served as past president of the Newport School Board, past president of Newport Rotary Club and a member of the American Medical Association, Arkansas Medical Society and Jackson County Medical Society.

Dr. Jackson has always been well respected for the expertise, skill and care he has provided to his patients.

Congratulations, Dr. Jackson!

Trashiest Team Cleanup Contest

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 17:09:42 GMT

"Trashiest Team" Cleanup Contest Seeking Local Teams

“Trashiest Team” cleanup contest seeking local teams

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is currently recruiting teams to participate in the “Trashiest Team” contest during the Great Arkansas Clean-Up, the annual fall statewide litter pickup campaign promoted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB), a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc. and a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Businesses, organizations and individuals are asked to form a four to six-person team that will pick up trash on a one-mile stretch of road (approximately) either Friday, Oct. 1 or Saturday, Oct 2. Teams will be competing for the “Trashiest Team” title and trophy, which will be determined by the team that collects the most trash.

Civic and service organizations, church and youth groups, school groups and clubs, scouts, individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses can put together cleanup teams and pitch in. Don’t forget that this contest is not limited to roads only – your team could also consider cleaning up a ditch or lake bank too. Last year’s participants collected close to 150 bags of trash on roadways, lake banks and parks throughout the Newport area.

Trash pick-up will last approximately one to three hours. Teams are asked to meet at Lockwood Park at 9 a.m. on their chosen day for assignments and contest information. Arrangements can also be made to pick up items in advance. Trash bags and plastic gloves will be provided for the event. Participants will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last, so register early!

Entry forms are available at the Chamber office by calling 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org . Deadline to enter a team is Wednesday, Sept. 29.delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Depot Days 2021

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:35:06 GMT

Depot Days 2021

The 23 ^rd Annual Depot Days Music Festival is set to take place September 24-25 on historic Front Street in downtown Newport, Arkansas. Part of the Monster Nights Downtown Entertainment Series, the festival is a showcase of local, regional, and national talent paying tribute to the early history of Rock and Roll. Music begins at 6 p.m. September 24 and at 1 p.m. September 25 on the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage in the Front Street Park. All events will be held outdoors this year and admission is free. Depot Days will closely monitor CDC guidelines so that the event can be held in a safe manner.

This year’s entertainment lineup is surely to entice music fans of all ages. On Friday, September 24, Newport native and singer/songwriter Jim Ranger will bring an acoustic set to Depot Days. With big vocals, charisma and skill, Jim impressed music legends Blake Shelton, John Legend and Gwen Stefani on season 19 of NBC’s The Voice, where Jim eventually placed runner-up on an incredibly talented season. Jim continues to make music with friends, perform at sold out shows and create authentic songs of hope and heartbreak. Northeast Arkansas favorites Nightwing will open the Friday night show at 6 p.m. playing a wide range of rock hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

A full line-up has been secured for Saturday, September 25. Headliners The Artimus Pyle Band will honor the music of Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd, featuring legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member Artimus Pyle. The Artimus Pyle Band is a high energy, true to the music, true to the era, rock group. They deliver hit after hit, night after night from “Free Bird” To “Sweet Home Alabama,” they give fans the best of Skynyrd with one of the men who made it.

For most of the ‘50s, Bill Haley was a presence on the record charts, and he appeared in several rock and roll movies aimed at teenagers. Now his son, Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets, will recapture the heyday of his famous father and carry on the family tradition. Re-creating the music, the feel, the excitement, and the authentic stage costuming, you will enjoy all your favorite hits like “Shake, Rattle & Roll” and “Rock Around the Clock.” The audience will be on their feet, dancing in the aisles and singing along to every song during this incredible, all-ages, show.

Providing 66 years of music, The Legendary Pacers still want to boogie! The Pacers have been honored by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Hot Springs Walk of Fame, Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Now Dig This Hall of Fame in Europe, Arkansas Governor’s Award, Arkansas Travelers Award, Sonny Payne Blues Award, and many others. Although the Pacers lost Sonny Burgess in 2017 and Kern Kennedy in 2018, they are rockin’ on and include a tribute to them during shows. Enjoy great 50’s and 60s music that they helped to invent.

Fonky Donkey music combines traditional Delta, Hill Country, and Chicago Blues with the influences of Bob Dylan and beyond, all while emphasizing some original Swamp Donkey and Gil Franklin songs. Fonky Donkey is the House Band for the Arkansas River Blues Society’s Sunday Afternoon Blues Jam in Little Rock and was the Champion of the Rail Yard Battle of the Band in Little Rock in 2019. Come and enjoy some authentic Arkansas Blues music with award winning musicians.

Assembly Worship is a contemporary Christian Worship Band that serves at The Assembly Church in Tuckerman, Arkansas. The group is made up of Malachi Gates, Jaxson Gates, Cole Gates, Braylee Smith, Ami Driver and Devin Soles. Assembly Worship recently competed in a national competition in Orlando, Florida where they won small worship group with a perfect score against 35 other teams in their division. Assembly Worship has played at other venues and continue to accept invitations to help spread the word of God through their music ministry.

The Jimmy Dunham Family loves playing Gospel music and have been playing for over 40 years. Jimmy, his daughter Brenda and Brenda’s son David have an interesting blend of Southern Gospel to what some may say is “Rocking Gospel.” The family has travelled all over Arkansas and the surrounding states performing at churches, family reunions, and just about anywhere they are invited to play.

The festival also offers food vendors, crafts, a BBQ cooking contest and much more. Coolers are welcome. Bring your lawn chairs. For more information, find Depot Days on Facebook, visit www.depotdays.org or contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-523-3618.

Note from Jackson County Health Officer – COVID19

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:39:42 GMT

Message from Jackson County Health Officer, Dr Guilford Dudley

I have been asked so many times since this Virus has appeared how important is it to wear a face mask….Arkansas Department of Health recommends wearing a mask when out in public areas and when social distancing (6 feet apart) is not possible. I personally feel that it is very important in following their guidelines in order to keep from spreading the virus. It is an act of kindness and showing love for your neighbor. We know that this virus can effect people differently such as some has no symptoms at all and some can become very sick with this and some could lead to mortality. Please wear a mask to protect each other. Please review the below examples of wearing a mask and not wearing a mask. Our cases here in our County has gotten to 26 as of yesterday, cases are in Newport, Tuckerman and Bradford. This virus is not untouchable to anyone.

Thank you

Newport Christmas Parade 2020

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:28:17 GMT

Newport Christmas Parade 2020

The Newport Christmas parade will be held Thursday, December 10, 2020 beginning at 6 p.m. Entries are now being accepted at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce for floats, walking groups, antique vehicles, beauty queens, horseback riders, school clubs and organizations, etc.

The Arkansas Department of Health will require physical distancing of at least six feet between family groups and face coverings are required when physical distancing cannot be easily achieved including those who plan to enter the parade as a participant. Please do not attend if you:

Have fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or loss of taste or smell
If you have had known exposure to someone with Covid in the past 14 days

Spectators may consider not attending if you are 65 years or older or if you have underlying health conditions including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma or weakened immunity.

For anyone wishing to throw candy, hand sanitizer must be applied prior to the parade. Sanitizer will be provided by the Chamber of Commerce in the line up area.

Participants will be traveling down Hwy. 69 to Malcolm Avenue then down to Village Mall parking lot. Spectators are asked to avoid standing near other groups along the route. Awards will be given for first, second and third place for both the commercial and non-commercial categories. Entry is free, and participants may choose their own holiday theme. However, Santa Claus will be flying in early from the North Pole as the last entry in the parade, so please do not plan a “fake” Santa on your float. Float judging will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. Please include the name of your business or organization somewhere on your float for faster judging.

Line up will be held in the parking lot across from Riceland Foods no sooner than 5 p.m. (McLain and Hwy. 69). Walkers and dance groups should line up on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69. Vehicles that are entered in the parade are to enter the parking lot from McLain Street and face toward Hwy. 69. There will be a line up crew on hand. The line up area will be very crowded. Those who are driving vehicles that will not be in the parade are asked to find parking on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69 and walk across to the line up area. If dropping off a parade participant, please do not enter the parking lot.

Entry forms are now available at the Chamber office or online at www.newportarchamber.org . Completed forms may be faxed to 523-1055, dropped off at the Chamber at 201 Hazel Street, or emailed to director@newportarchamber.org .

2020 parade entry form

In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date.

Julie Allen, PCED
Executive Director
Newport Area Chamber of Commerce
201 Hazel Street
Newport, AR 72112
(870) 523-3618

$2.5 Million Grant Awarded to Newport, Arkansas

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:52:59 GMT

Newport’s Tech Depot Receives $2.5 Million EDA Grant

For Immediate Release

October 6, 2020

Newport Economic Development Commission

City of Newport

director@newportaredc.org

870-523-1009

The City of Newport and the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) would like to announce that the United States Economic Development Administration has awarded a $2.5 million grant to Newport’s Tech Depot IT Apprenticeship Academy. The grant will be matched with $625,000 from the Newport Economic Development Commission to build a 12,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility to house Tech Depot. “This is a huge day for economic development in Newport,” shared Mayor David Stewart. “The new Tech Depot facility will allow our citizens to access the training and skills to work with any company in the world, and often they will be able to work remotely and continue to live and raise their families here.”

Less than three weeks ago, Governor Asa Hutchinson cut the ribbon on the Tech Depot collaboration in downtown Newport, Arkansas. The first apprentices and participating companies are currently being established by the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences (ACDS) and the curriculum is being finalized by ASU-Newport. “This is another huge step forward for apprenticeship programs in Arkansas,” according to Bill Yoder, Executive Director of ACDS. “We have experience in IT and apprenticeships, and ASU-Newport has experience in technical curriculum development and delivery, and now with this facility we have all the tools for world-class IT training in Newport, Arkansas.” Tech Depot is beginning their operation in the historic Iron Mountain Train Depot in downtown Newport and will move to the new facility upon its completion.

“The partnership between the Newport Economic Development Commission, ASU-Newport, and the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences is allowing us to support our existing industries by helping them grow the Information Technology talent they need right here in Arkansas,” stated Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the NEDC. “In addition, we believe that having this resource to develop IT talent will attract other companies who are having challenges finding qualified employees for these positions.” The new Tech Depot facility will contain Apprenticeship Training Rooms, an IT Co-Working Space, an IT Incubator for entrepreneurs, shared office space for companies who use the facility, and an apprenticeship testing center. Anticipated construction time for the building is eighteen to twenty-four months. Dr. Sandra Massey, Chancellor of ASU-Newport, said, “ASU-Newport is proud to be part of this great new opportunity for Newport and all of northeast Arkansas. We welcome the opportunity to support and develop the technical skills of the incredible people who call Arkansas their home.”

The Arkansas Congressional Delegation worked with the City of Newport and the grant writing team at White River Planning and Development District to secure the grant from the Economic Development Administration. “The CARES Act continues to provide vital support and assistance to Arkansas as our state deals with the effects of COVID-19,” said Senator John Boozman. “This grant will help Newport and the regional economy by training residents to fill in-demand jobs and creating further opportunities for economic growth in the community. I welcome this investment by the EDA and the Trump Administration at this critical time.” Arkansas’ leaders understand that developing high-skill talent in rural communities will help preserve these cities in an ever changing world. Congressman Rick Crawford commented, “The demand for a highly skilled information technology workforce is only growing, and it is vital that we are providing the proper education and training for students to fill this demand. This investment not only helps provide a critical resource to local Arkansans in the technology field, it creates an innovative training program that will attract business professionals nationwide.”

The inaugural classes in the Tech Depot will have over 40 apprentices participating and will support companies located in Newport, Batesville, and Jonesboro. The partners anticipate classes growing to support over 100 apprentices every six months by the end of the third year. Any company with IT employee needs can either send an incumbent worker for apprenticeship training or work with the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences to locate an apprentice to hire and train at the Tech Depot. Individuals interested in IT careers can put their name into the apprenticeship pool of candidates that will be offered to companies for consideration. For more information visit www.techdepotnow.com .

Tech Depot is the center piece of Newport’s Downtown Technology Park, known as DTech Park. DTech Park, operating out of the Newport Economic Development Commission offices, will assist technology companies in securing a remote work location, finding office space, securing a partnership with the Tech Depot or in locating incentives to start or expand their technology based business. “Rural sourcing, which to me means finding our talent in rural America rather than offshore, can help companies with security and profitability while also growing the small towns and cities that have been America’s backbone for centuries,” explained G.B. Cazes, Principal of the Emory Group. The Emory Group is consulting on the project and assisting with development and logistics. To learn more about Newport’s Downtown Technology Park visit www.dtechpark.com .

Tech Depot and DTech Park are bringing IT opportunities to rural Arkansas. To get involved please complete the contact form on the website or call the Newport Economic Development Commission at 870-523-1009 . Further questions and inquiries can be forwarded to Jon Chadwell at director@newportaredc.org .

Sincerely,

Jon Chadwell

Newport Economic Development Commission

www.newportaredc.org

870-523-1009

22nd Annual Depot Days Festival

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:54:18 GMT

The 22nd Annual Depot Days Music Festival is set to take place Saturday, September 26 on historic Front Street in downtown Newport, Arkansas. Part of the Monster Nights Downtown Entertainment Series, the festival is a showcase of local, regional, and national talent paying tribute to the early history of Rock and Roll. Music begins at 11:30 a.m. concluding at 9:30 p.m. on the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage in the Front Street Park. Please note that the festival will be following the directives of the Arkansas Department of Health for outdoor events. Masks must be worn while moving about the park but can be removed once seated. Spectators may sit with a family group, but social distancing of at least six feet will be required from other patrons. All events will be held outdoors this year and admission is free.

One of the most electrifying bands in the South, The Memphis All-Stars, generate energy and excitement everywhere they perform. From R&B, to Rock ‘n’ Roll, to any music your ear can imagine, The Memphis All-Stars will keep you on the dance floor all night long. They are truly the definition of “Memphis Music.”

The Zyndall Raney Band features veteran performers playing early rock, old country, blues, gospel, jazz and Big Band numbers. The band includes the George D. Hays Foundation and Music Hall of Fame inductee Zyndall Raney; Doug Greeno, who played in Jackson County night spots since the 1950s, Marcus Grady, lead guitar and vocals; Bill Lewis, bass guitar, and Donna Lewis, vocals; Mike Gio, drums; and vocalist Bill Davis who dresses as a popular 1950s Memphis rock-and-roller.

Guitarist Michael Walker, a Newport native who moved to Dallas in 1989, will share his love for the electric guitar with riveting sounds of blues and smooth jazz. In 2013 Michael was signed to the Spectra Jazz label as a solo artist. He delivered his debut album, “A Smoother You” which earned him praise and respect from his peers in the Jazz world. In 2018 Michael graced released another CD “Daylight.”

Brick Fields recently won The Ozark Blues Society Blues Challenge and went on to represent Northwest Arkansas at the International Blues Competition in Memphis. There, in a field of over 260 performers, they advanced to the semi-finals and, as some say, put them in the top 40 of the best blues bands in the world. Based in Eureka Springs, Brick Fields have also won folk, songwriting and regional music awards.

Founded in 2009, the Side Street Steppers began as a simple duo unearthing rare and popular music from the 1920s and 30s. Dubbed the Golden Age of Gramophone Recording, the Steppers perform on vintage and homemade instruments with back stories about each song. The group has grown into a full-blown Memphis institution who have played over 1,000 shows and released four full-length studio recordings.

The Jimmy Dunham Family has been singing Gospel music for over 40 years. They have travelled throughout Arkansas and surrounding states playing at churches, theaters, reunions, and any place folks want to hear their country-style gospel music with a twist of “Rockin’ Gospel.” The family has become a staple at Depot Days and it is a privilege to welcome them back.

Old U.S. Highway 67, which runs through the heart of Newport and Jackson County, was the home for dozens of roadhouses and nightclubs which hosted early shows by rock pioneers in the 1950’s and 60’s. Music legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Sonny Burgess all frequented the venues along the highway when Rock music was in its’ infancy. Festival goers from Europe, Australia, and all over the U.S. make annual pilgrimages to Front Street to catch a glimpse of living legends from the 50’s as well as younger generations of musicians who were inspired by the elders.

Get your Depot Days shirt through our online store! Shirts are $15 for adult sizes (Small through 5XL) and $12 for youth sizes (youth XSmall through youth XLarge). Choose from one of two shirt colors. Shirts are 100% cotton but are a Heather 50/50 blend which means they are true to size and should not shrink.

Order by September 9th to have yours before Depot Days! Pick up at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce or have them shipped directly to your home (shipping fees apply). Shirts will not be available on site during Depot Days. However, the online store will remain open through October 2nd. Get yours today!

https://stores.rawkimprinting.com/depotdays/shop/home

DRIVE-THRU COVID-19 TESTING

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 16:56:52 GMT

Thursday July 23

12pm-6pm

Jackson County Local Health Unit

1505 N. Pecan St.

Newport, AR 72112

No screening, with/without symptoms, no out of pocket expense .

2020 Census

clint@emorysolutions.com (Kent Watson) — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:48:24 GMT

The 2020 Census counts the population in the United States and provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community.

Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners, and many others will use 2020 Census data to make critical decisions. The results will show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, older adults, and children. The results will also inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated to more than 100 programs, including Medicaid, Head Start, block grants for community mental health services, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to local hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

PLEASE BE COUNTED!!! IT’S QUICK & EASY!!!

The 2020 Census only takes a few minutes to complete and asks questions about you and those who live in your home. The 2020 Census can be filled out online (even from your cell phone) at 2020census.gov , over the phone at 844-330-2020 (English) and 844-468-2020 (Spanish), or by mail. For support, customer service representatives are available every day from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Central Time.

The Census Bureau will never ask for your full Social Security number, your bank account or credit card numbers, anything on behalf of a political party, money or donations. The U.S. Census Bureau keeps your answers safe and confidential.

WE NEED YOU! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE!!

For local assistance, contact Christel Taylor at 870-523-1009 .

Residential Brush PickUp Information

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 26 May 2020 13:51:55 GMT

Residential Brush PickUp Information

The City of Newport Public Works Department will not pick up residential brush for the next month due to high water covering the brush drop off site.

Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 14:02:14 GMT

Here are the details for the Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program. Please follow this link for the press release from the state.

Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program

Ensuring the Health and Safety of Employees and Patrons

Pursuant to the direction of Governor Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission has established a grant program to assist businesses affected by the COVID19 outbreak. The program will provide direct grants to companies for expenses associated with ensuring the health and safety of employees and patrons. The program will utilize federal funds provided to the State of Arkansas through the CARES Act. Applications will be accepted beginning 5:00PM CST April 29, 2020.

Grant Program Guidelines:

Eligible businesses include corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, LLCs, Joint Ventures and Non-profits (Government-owned entities are not eligible)
All industry sectors are eligible
Business must have Certificate of Good Standing with the AR Secretary of State’s Office (if a Sole Proprietor, a business license or sales tax permit is required)
Business and owners must NOT be delinquent on any Arkansas tax
Businesses must either have a) customers and/or employees physically coming to their business premises or b) must conduct business on customer premises
Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Applications will only be considered when a complete application is submitted with all required attachments.
Required attachments: Driver’s License of authorized business representative, Signed W9, Voided check, Certificate of Good Standing from Secretary of State (Business License or Sales Tax Permit for Sole Proprietors). Uploaded files can be a maximum of 5MB each.
Grant amounts will be based on number of Arkansas W2 employees as of March 1, 2020:
1 FTE = $1,000 grant
2+ FTEs = $1,000 per FTE
1 Arkansas W2 full-time employee = 1 FTE; 1 Arkansas W2 part-time employees = .5 FTE
Full-time employees must work an average of at least 30 hours per week. Owners working at least 30 hours per week who do not receive a W2 can be included.
Part-time employees must work an average of at least 15 hours per week
Example – 2 AR W2 full-time employees (2 FTEs) and 6 AR W2 part-time employees (3 FTEs) equals a grant of $5,000
Maximum grant amount is $100,000
Eligible expenditures include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and no-contact thermometers for employees and customers, no-contact Point of Sale (POS) payment equipment; supplies and disinfectants to initially deep clean premises and for use on an ongoing basis; also included are expenses associated with hiring a third party to perform periodic deep cleaning services, hand sanitizer stations, restocking of necessary supplies/raw materials, expenses associated with reconfiguring business to meet recommended health and safety guidelines, signage, marketing and other one-time expenses associated with reopening or resuming normal operations
Eligible expenditures must be made between March 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020
Businesses will be required to verify funds were used for eligible expenditures and may be required to repay all or a portion of the grant if business is found not in compliance with grant requirements
Businesses that have previously been awarded assistance through other AEDC programs or SBA programs are not prohibited from applying for the Ready for Business Grant Program

The Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program is a discretionary incentive program offered by AEDC. Not all who apply for a grant will be approved. The information provided in this document is only a general summary of the program features and does not create any obligation by AEDC to provide a grant. AEDC reserves the right to adjust the terms of the grant based on the applicant’s individual circumstances.

Northeast Arkansas IT Training Collaboration to Begin in Newport

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:05:14 GMT

Northeast Arkansas IT Training Collaboration to Begin in Newport

Newport, Arkansas

More Information: director@newportaredc.org

The Newport Economic Development Commission and ASU-Newport are partnering with the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences (ACDS) to bring a regional Information Technology training center to downtown Newport, Arkansas. The training center will feature apprenticeship training programs for a wide range of Arkansas companies in the areas of Computer Coding and Software Development, Data Analysis, and Cyber Security. Apprentices who enter the program will be paid by their host company to gain the necessary training for a permanent IT position and there will be no cost to the apprentice for the training.

“The Arkansas Center for Data Sciences has so many resources and partnerships that they bring to the table,” stated Jon Chadwell, Director of Economic Development in Newport. “We are very fortunate to be part of a great team like this one.” The center will bring cutting edge IT training to northeast Arkansas, allowing local residents to gain the skills to obtain high paying jobs. “We hope to build a workforce that will convince Arkansas technology companies to view Newport as an option for their back-office services,” Chadwell added.

The Arkansas Center for Data Sciences is dedicated to growing the state’s IT economy by fostering collaboration, establishing critical partnerships, and developing talent in high-demand, high-growth areas such as software development, data analytics and cybersecurity. ACDS was created as a result of Governor Hutchinson’s Blue Ribbon Commission and has quickly established programs in central and northwest Arkansas. “We are excited to establish this partnership with the Newport Economic Development Commission and ASU-Newport,” said Bill Yoder, Executive Director of ACDS. “This opportunity will allow us to expand into northeast Arkansas and working with Newport will allow us to create a model for technology training in rural communities.” ACDS will be the managing partner of the center.

Arkansas State University-Newport will be joining the project as one of the apprenticeship training partners. By collaborating with the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences on industry specific training, ASU-Newport will expand their robust array of technical training programs. “ASU-Newport is proud to be a training partner with the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences for the new IT center in Newport,” said Dr. Sandra Massey, Chancellor. “The development of this center will help ASU-Newport further its mission of improving the quality of life of our community through education.”

The Emory Group has worked with the partners in this collaboration to develop a framework for the project. “Bringing high quality IT training to rural communities is one way to help grow and sustain small local economies,” said G.B. Cazes, owner of the Emory Group. “Working with the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, ASU-Newport, and the Newport Economic Development Commission, we hope to create a model that can be replicated in rural communities not only in Arkansas, but throughout the United States.” The Emory Group will continue to work and advise the center and to create a best-practices model to be shared with other communities.

If you are interested in an IT career, the center is currently accepting applications on Indeed.com for apprentices who are interested in a career as Data Analyst. This will be a paid full-time position based in Arkansas. The training program will consist of full-immersion training with classroom instruction and field experience. Due to current circumstances, the classroom training will be done remotely; when social distancing parameters are changed, however, much of the classroom training will be in-person at the new center. For more information, contact either the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences or the Newport Economic Development Commission.

The coalition is also seeking industry partners who would like to hire Arkansas talent for their IT jobs. Any business interested in partnering with the center to hire apprentices who would be trained to their industry-specific needs is welcome to enter into a training partnership with the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences. To get more information or to become an industry partner, please contact either the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences or the Newport Economic Development Commission.

To learn more about career opportunities, please visit https://www.acds.co/careers

For more information on the center or the roles of the partners, please feel free to contact the following individuals:

Bill Yoder, Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, byoder@acds.co

Jeff Bookout, ASU-Newport, jeff_bookout@asun.edu

Jon Chadwell, Newport Economic Development Commission, director@newportaredc.org

G.B. Cazes, The Emory Group, gb@emorygroup.co

“Boost Local” Video Ad Program

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 14:10:42 GMT

“Boost Local” Video Ad Program

Dear Friends in Our Local Businesses,

We are going to start a local business promotion to allow Jackson County businesses to promote the goods and services they are offering during the COVID-19 crisis. The program is called “Boost Local” and we will pay to boost your video advertising through our Facebook page.

Process

Make a quick video of up to 1 minute.
Email it to us at the Video Submission Email
Ask for a Read Receipt for your email so you know we received it
Two videos per day will be uploaded to our Facebook page (one in the morning and one in the afternoon)
We will pay to boost your video to our Facebook friends and their friends who live in Jackson County
The videos will be uploaded to Facebook in the order we receive them

You can let everyone know of changes to your business, curbside services, products or other things you are providing during this time.

Requirements

You must have a physical business location in Jackson County
Your video must be 1 minute or less
We will only post one video per business at this time

Let us help get the word out about your great local businesses that is still working for our community during this trying time.

SBA 7(a) Payroll Protection Program Loan Information

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 14:17:52 GMT

SBA 7(a) Payroll Protection Program Loan Information

The SBA 7(a) Payroll Protection Loan Program that includes the potential of forgiveness will be available on these dates:

Small Businesses and Sole Proprietorships can apply for loans starting Friday, April 3rd
Independent Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals can apply for loans starting Friday, April 10th
The program ends when the funding has been used or on June 30th

The SBA 7(a) Payroll Protection Program Loan is a loan made through your local bank that can be forgiven if used for the allowable expenses over the 8 week period after the loan is approved. At least 75% of the money received in the loan must be used for payroll to be forgiven. You also must keep employees on the payroll or rehire employees if you have laid them off. The amount you can borrow is equal to 2.5 times your average monthly payroll over your last year of business. If you have been in business less than a year then you do the average monthly payroll from the time you opened times 2.5 to get your loan amount. To get the loan you would fill out the application and gather proof of payroll, any other records required by your bank and get the information to your local loan officer at your bank. If you do not have a loan officer currently, we would encourage you to call the local bank with which you do business. If you do not currently conduct business with a local bank currently then here are the numbers for you to contact.

First Community Bank : Billy Keedy – 1-870-201-6202

IberiaBank : Jamie Chapman – 1-870-523-3611

Merchants and Planters Bank : Jim Gowen, Jr. – 1-870-523-3601 x1112

Regions Bank : Cindy Jones – 1-870-201-2440

Beware of Scammers – Neither the bank nor any application preparer is allowed to charge you a fee. They will receive their fees from the federal government. Anyone seeking to charge you a fee for this loan program is a scammer. That is why it is important to use a local bank you can trust.

The Fact Sheets have a lot of information about the loans. Please review the sheets, the application, gather payroll information and then contact your contact your bank. If you have questions you are welcome to call us at our office phone 870-523-1009 during business hours or call me on my cell phone, 870-503-0793 , after hours or over th e weekend.

PPP — Overview

PPP Lender Information Fact Sheet

PPP Borrower Information Fact Sheet

PPP Borrower Application Form

Coronavirus Crisis Local Business Updates

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 16:38:29 GMT

We will be editing this page on a regular basis. If you want updates about your business included, please email them to director@newportaredc.org and we will add them to the list. For restaurants, please visit the restaurant page under the Press section.

Business Information

Arkansas Department of Workforce Services: The Newport-DWS office will be servicing the public by email and telephone. Should a person need to file for unemployment benefits they can apply online at: ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov and then contact the office at 870-523-3641, so that claims can be processed. Due to the safety of the public and the staff, we will continue service through email and telephone. If information is needed, please contact at 870-523-3641.

Arkansas State University-Newport: The safety of Arkansas State University-Newport students, faculty, staff and visitors is our top priority, and the institution is closely monitoring the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak and following protocols as set forth in our emergency response plan. In response to the most recent events, ASU-Newport is moving all class instruction to an online & remote forum starting March 16 and ending April 3. While no members of our community have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the institution is preparing for the potential of local transmission, aligning its prevention and preparation efforts with guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Arkansas Department of Health. Prior to April 3, ASUN administration will reassess the threat of COVID-19 to our community. ASUN continues to vigilantly monitor and respond to any information regarding COVID-19. Our priority is the health and safety of the ASU-Newport community. Regular updates are being provided to all students and employees, as well as community members, at www.asun.edu/coronavirus. This will serve as the most up-to-date source for information during this time. If you need immediate assistance, please visit www.asun.edu/contact to find a full list of email addresses for your particular needs. ASUN appreciates your understanding as we work to navigate this fluid situation.

STUDENTS-FREE groceries this week at ASU-Newport! The Bread of Life Mobile Food Pantry will move to a drive-thru model to help support students during this time! Please follow the instructions, and come by and get groceries on Thursday, March 19.

Chiropractic Health Clinic: We are staying open as essential health care providers. Chiropractic care can help with migraines, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and joint pain in shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, etc. We are taking precautions for the safety of our patients by spacing out patient appointments, allowing patients to wait in their car, and sanitizing all frequently touched surfaces. We are open Tuesday and Thursday, 9am – 1pm and 3pm – 5pm. Appointments can be made by calling (870) 523-2225. We are still accepting new patients of all ages.

City of Newport: All City of Newport buildings close to the public. City Hall is available by phone from 9 am to 1 pm; garbage will be picked up on the regular schedule; the NEDC/Chamber are available by phone, email and social media during regular business hours.

Custom Eyes Vision Care: By recommendation of the CDC in an effort to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, we will be suspending all routine eye care effective Thursday March 19, 2020. The office will remain staffed as scheduled but will be closed to walk-in traffic. We will reopen for normal business hours and services Monday March 30, 2020. All patients scheduled during this effective period are encouraged to keep their appointment commitments as they are either on monitored treatment plans or are in need of post-operative care and/or instruction. As always, our office will be accessible for eye and/or vision related emergencies during this time. We ask that you please call our office prior to arrival at (870) 523-3333 so as to be given instructions for admittance. We apologize for an inconvenience this may cause but for the sake of the public health and in the interest for what is right, we feel this is.

Darling Pharmacy: Effective today, Monday, March 16th, our front door will be closed to the public until further notice in order to protect the wellness of our staff and our customers. WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPEN DURING OUR REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. We encourage you to use our drive-thru window and call ahead for curbside service or delivery. We will continue to accept UPS packages. Darling’s Fine Things will remain open. Feel free to download the Darling Pharmacy app in the App Store to your smart phone and place your refill orders anytime 24 hours a day. You may also submit your refill request on our website www.darlingpharmacy.com . As always, anything in the store is available for your purchase during regular business hours. We want to take every precaution necessary to keep our staff, our customers and our community well as best we can so that we can all get back to living our normal lives as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, but just think of it as showing some extra love and upping our customer service game to you for the time being. We appreciate each of you very much. Let’s all do our best to stay healthy and thriving and keep shining our community’s bright light of goodness.

Vanessa Falwell’s Office: We planned to stay closed for two weeks, but we just can’t do it apparently. We have some exciting news….we plan to start telemedicine visits for our patients starting this Friday. Maybe before, but for now, we are planning for Friday. These visits keep both you and us safer. These visits can be used for acute illness, as well as routine refills, etc. We ask that you have a working thermometer at home for these visits, and we also urge you to have a blood pressure cuff. These visits will be cash pay only for now, but we will make them affordable. For more information, call the clinic tomorrow at 870-217-4071. Nina Steele Amee Tanksley Mckenzie Sparks Lauren Kimberling.

Field’s Heating and Air Conditioning: We are staying open to service units in the home. We will wear masks during our visits to protect our employees and our customers. The office number may not be answered when you call but leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we can.

First Baptist Church Newport: First Baptist Church of Newport is not gathering for worship until further notice. Please follow our online services.

First United Methodist Church Newport: We will not be having an in person worship service for the next two weeks. We will re-evaluate after that time, because the situation with Covid-19 is shifting rapidly. More details are being shared in an email today about our reasoning and how to stay connected. We will have videos, live Facebook worship and devotional on Sunday and several times throughout the weeks. Please encourage others in the church and our community to like our Facebook page so they can join in the videos and online worship. Also please message or email us if you are not getting church emails so we can get your correct email added to the list Please call and check on people. Stay connected and reach out.

Freeman Office Supply: Freeman Office Equipment is currently open normal hours, M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We will still be making deliveries, as usual. However, if you wish to have your deliveries dropped at an alternate location, or prefer to pick up curbside, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate you. Please know we are working diligently to maintain a safe environment for both our customers and our employees. If you have any questions, please call us at 870-523-2762.

Harris Ford: COVID-19 is affecting all of us and what we know as normal, everyday living. With that said, there is still a need for reliable transportation. To assist in keeping you safe and your mind at ease, we are offering these services to enhance your experience with us during this time: Sales – you can buy a vehicle without coming into the store. Call or email s regarding your vehicle of interest. We will offer virtual walk-arounds and phone appraisals will be availalbe. We will mail or deliver the paperwork right to you. Service – We will pick up and deliver your vehicle. Parts – Phone orders and delivery will be available. This too will pass.

Holden Avenue Church of Christ: We will ONLY have a 10:00 AM worship service tomorrow. We will NOT have Bible class, Sunday night services, or Wednesday night Bible study. We will continue to meet like this until further notice. Like we said last week, if you are sick with fever, running nose, coughing, etc., please stay home and get well. For the time being, let’s love one another from a distance and avoid hugging, handshaking, and even fist-bumping. Please take care of yourself and may God bless you all.

IberiaBank: Starting Friday, March 20th, many IBERIABANK branches including the Newport branch will move to drive-thru only service for the time being. If you have a need that requires you to be inside the branch please call 870-523-3611 to set an appointment.

IMAD: Due to the overwhelming response of our elderly community health needs the IMAD Organization has partnered with some of our local nurses and medical professionals to assist our elderly in this time of need. If you know of any of our elders that are home and need medical attention or just simple check ups please contact IMAD. We have professional nurses that will make house calls to accommodate their immediate needs. Some of our elders are home alone and are more vulnerable to this Coronavirus pandemic. If you’re a licensed medical professional that have some extra time and would like to assist in this critical time of need please feel free to join us in our efforts. It takes all of us to band together as one community to take care of one another. We’ve identified the problems now We’re looking for solutions ladies and gentlemen. please Share with family and friends. Contact call or text 870-664-6643.

IMAD: The IMAD Organization has teamed up with the Newport Special School District and Aramark to assist with feeding our students during this week of the Coronavirus Pandemic. This is a critical week for some of our students and their families. IMAD will be providing both of our facilities as pick up sites for meals. Aramark will be providing meals for the Newport Special School district to help distribute via bus routes and at both NHS and NES campuses. Please help spread the word throughout our communities.

Tuesday March 17th – Friday March 20th

Sites:

NHS Cafeteria: 9am

NES Cafeteria: 9am

IMAD Village Community Center 10am

IMAD Village Central 10am

Immanuel Baptist Church: Immanuel Baptist Church is only having morning and evening service no Sunday school, discipleship training or Wednesday night.

Jackson County Courthouse: NOTICE: Due to the proximity of COVID-19 to counties surrounding Jackson County, the Jackson County Courthouse will close to ALL public activity until further notice. Please feel free to utilize any of the online services available. You may call the following offices for help:

Jackson County Judge (870) 523-7400
Jackson County Clerk (870) 523-7420
Jackson Co Circuit Clerk (870) 523-7423
Jackson County Treasurer (870) 523-7401
Jackson County Collector (870) 523-7413
Jackson County Assessor (870) 523-7410

Jackson County Library: The Jackson County Library is closed until March 30th. Library card holders can access over 30,000 materials through the Libby by OverDrive app. Anything checked out in March has been automatically renewed.

Jackson County School District: The Jackson County School District will be closed this week March 16 thru March 20th, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. These 5 days will be AMI days. The following week March 23rd thru March 27, we will be out due to Spring Break. The next day of school, as it stands, will be Monday March 30th. Aramark will be serving breakfast and lunch for free to the students this week Monday thru Friday. It will be a grab and go meal.

You can pickup the meals at the following locations starting Tuesday March 17th, there will be a change in the meal distribution.

Tuckerman Elementary School Carline

Swifton Middle School bus dropoff

Grubbs Park

Breakfast from 8-9, Lunch from 11-12:30.

There will be a bus running the Tuckerman and Campbell Station City Routes delivering lunch and the next day’s breakfast together. The bus will be running these routes from 10 until 12 in the morning, if you’re in these areas, please be watching for the bus.

Jackson’s Funeral Homes: The National Funeral Director’s Association and the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association have very strongly recommended that funeral gatherings be limited to immediate family. We respectfully ask for your cooperation. If you feel you must attend a non-family member’s service, please keep the recommended distance between yourself and others you encounter. Very soon we will be live streaming services so you may pay your respects. Also, we offer an online guest register that our families will have access to and will know you are thinking of them. No one believes in the importance of remembering a life well lived more than the Jackson Family, the Jackson’s Funeral Homes Family, and the Thompson-Wilson Funeral Homes Family. We pray for a swift and speedy end to this crisis and pray for the good health of our family and friends. We will update you all with our restrictions as we are advised. As always, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If we can be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Jacksonport State Park: Visitor Center is closed and all park programs are cancelled until after May 13th.

Dr. Kelly McKinney’s Office: We are not seeing non-emergency patients at this time at the request of the Governor, the Arkansas State Dental Association, and the Arkansas Dept of Health. But we are still here for you if you have a dental emergency! Just give our office a call at (870)523-6574.

Merchants and Planters Bank: Bank lobbies are open, however, they are asking everyone who can to use the drive-thrus, ATMS, online and mobile banking options or to call the bank for safe and convenient ways to do your banking.

Merchants and Planters Insurance: M&P Insurance is here to help protect you from life’s uncertainties. And in these uncertain times, the health, safety, and well-being of our customers, employees and community members are our top priority. We want to be sure that we are following all of the precautionary methods recommended by the CDC and the WHO. We also want to assure our customers that we are taking these measures. Fortunately, we live in an age where 99% of our business can be conducted electronically. Communications can be held with our agents via telephone, text, email or even FaceTime. We also utilize an electronic signature service through DocuSign. With all the technology we have available to assist our customers, at this time and until further notice, we will be restricting our office space to our employees. Our thought is that this will give us the ability to remain healthy to serve you and assist our community in trying to reduce the spread of COVID 19. We hope you understand that this move is not one we enjoy announcing because our customer interaction and personal touch is something we pride ourselves on. For those customers that need to pay their bill via cash or check, we will have a drop box located in front of our office and we will check this box twice a day. We hope you understand our concern for everyone’s safety and no one more than us looks forward to being able to again serve you face to face. This too shall pass! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us at 870.523.6771 or mpi@mpinsureme.com .

Newport High School: From Mr. Brett Bunch – Superintendent Due to the statewide closure of schools the following plan will be implemented for the Newport Special School District. No students are to attend school from Monday March 16 to Friday March 27. AMI work has been distributed for the week. If your student has work or supplies at the school they will need you may come to either school tomorrow between the hours of 7:30 and 1:30 to pick it up. If you or your child are showing signs of sickness please stay home. Meals will be served at both campuses tomorrow and the remainder of the week from 7:30 till 8:30am and 11:30 till 12:30. Students currently enrolled in PreK-12 can eat at either campus. Tuesday through Friday the district will begin delivering breakfast and lunch on bus routes starting at 9:00am please beware the bus will stop at regular stops and deliver grab and go meals. The cafeterias at both campuses will also have grab and go meals available for those that can make it to the schools. We ask that you not remain on campus when you get your meals. Any and all school events for the next two weeks have been cancelled including Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences and High School Talent Show.

Postmaster Spirits: Postmaster Spirits will be making be making Hand Sanitizer to be picked up at the distillery later this week. Bring your own container!

Regions Bank: At Regions, our core values focus on putting people first and doing what’s right. Our top priority is the well-being of our customers, our associates and the communities we serve. With so much attention on #coronavirus (#COVID19), we want to assure you we are taking extensive steps to help ensure your health and safety when you visit any of our locations. We continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for cleaning our branches regularly, and we are closely monitoring CDC reports for updates on coronavirus and how it might impact our communities. As we become aware of new information about coronavirus, we will be sure to let you know. You can also find the latest updates at CDC.gov.

Bank Outside the Branch: As a reminder, Regions offers several ways to access your accounts and meet your banking needs without visiting a branch, including: Online and Mobile Banking – Check balances, pay bills and transfer funds. You can also deposit checks with our Regions Mobile app: https://www.regions.com/digital-banking . ATMs – Get cash, transfer funds and check balances. Also, deposit and cash checks at a Regions DepositSmart ATM or speak to a live representative at a Video Banking ATM: https://www.regions.com/Locator . Assistance Programs: If you experience a severe financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus event, we are here to help. For mortgage payment assistance: 1-800-748-9498 or visit regions.com/loan help. For other consumer or small business loan/credit card payment assistance: 1-866-298-1113 or visit https://www.regions.com/disaster_recovery/loan_assistance.rf

Remmel Church: No public services until further announcement.

Unity Health Harris Medical Center: Unity Health Harris Medical Center will be limiting access to our facilities and anyone who enters must be screened for coronavirus symptoms through questionnaire and temperature check. In order to protect our patients and staff, we ask that you limit visitors to one per patient in the New Life Center, Emergency Department, Outpatient Surgery and during clinic visits ONLY. No other visitors will be allowed. When possible, please have your visitor remain in the vehicle rather than entering the building. The following entrances will be open for screening to allow access to the building:

Unity Health Harris Medical Center – ER entrance

OB/GYN Clinic – front door

1117 McLain Clinics- front entrance by iCareRX pharmacy

1200 McLain Clinics- front sliding door entrance

Also note that the ATM located inside our ER will not be in service during this time. Please use the North Branch location.

Village Creek Baptist Church: VCBC is going to online services for the next two weeks. I am grateful for our pastor and elders who prayerfully made this tough decision! The leaders in our country have asked that we not gather in large groups over the next few weeks, and they are submitting to that authority.

Walmart Newport: Starting 3/19 store hours will change. The store will open at 7 am and close at 8:30 pm until further notice. We know our older customers could be more vulnerable to the coronavirus and to better support them, Walmart is offering special shopping hours. From March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Our Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time. Auto Care will be temporarily closed starting March 19th.

Walmart Newport Pharmacy : Our pharmacy is open and ready to serve you! Over the next few weeks, please remember we offer a convenient pharmacy drive thru for prescription drop off and pick up. It is located on the north side of our building. In addition to prescription medications, we will be happy to retrieve over-the-counter items from the pharmacy area for you to purchase through the drive thru. If you are 60 or older, pregnant, have a chronic health condition, or are experiencing cold and cough symptoms, we encourage you to utilize this service. Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to caring for you and your family.

White River Health System: In accordance with the social distancing recommendations provided by the CDC, many upcoming WRHS community events will be canceled. These cancellations will be updated frequently on our website. https://www.whiteriverhealthsystem.com/ . All White River Health System facilities are open. We are providing emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient tests and procedures. To protect our patients and employees, every one entering our facilities will be screened for the presence of fever and asked about recent travel.

Save Our Local Restaurants!

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 14:24:43 GMT

Per the Governor all dine-in services at restaurants and bars suspended until further notice. Please use drive-thru, take out and delivery options and support our local businesses.

SEVERAL RESTAURANTS ARE OFFERING DELIVERY SERVICES. CHECK OUT THE LIST BELOW!!!

Below is a list of Newport and Jackson County restaurants and other prepared food businesses who are in desperate need for customers during this time. The list includes changes to hours of operation, food availabilities or menu changes, dine-in/take out/drive through/delivery options, and contact information. Call or check their Facebook pages for daily specials or menu options.

Consider ordering a few meals for yourself, for your office, for your homebound friends and neighbors, buy gift certificates now to use later, and help support our local restaurants during this difficult time.

Airbase Exxon Truck Stop – Newport: Limited menu to include chicken, fish and finger foods plus pre-prepared breakfast. Food served 4 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. Call 870-523-4800 .

Bell’s Chicken and Dumpling Shack – Newport: Full menu. Take out only and cash only. Open Sunday and Monday from 11 am to 6 pm. Find Bell’s Chicken and Dumpling Shack on Facebook or call 870-345-7375 .

Buckeye Café & Pizzeria – Tuckerman: Full menu. Drive thru, carry out, curbside services. Open 6 am to 8 pm Monday through Sunday. Find The Buckeye Café & Pizzeria on Facebook or call 870-349-5486 .

Cash Saver Deli – Newport: Full menu. Carry out only. Open 7 am to 3 pm Monday through Sunday. Call 870-523-9939 .

Catdaddy’s Food Truck – Newport: Full menu. Carry out only. Open Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 7 pm. Find specials on Catdaddy’s Facebook page or call 870-217-2074 .

China Star Restaurant – Newport: Full menu and buffet open. Carry out only. Open 10:30 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday. Call 870-217-0661 .

Danny’s Silver Bullet – Danny’s will be open for Togo orders Fri and Sat 5pm-8pm. Place order on phone 870-349-2900 and pull on south side of building at drive thru window(small window).

Daylight Donuts – Newport: Full menu. Drive through or take out only. Open 5 am to Noon Monday through Sunday. Call 870-217-0405 .

El Puente – Newport: Full menu. Drive thru or carry out. Open 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 9:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm Sunday. Find El Puente Mexican Restaurant Newport on Facebook or call 870-523-2369 .

Fathead Pizza – Newport: Full menu. Carry out from 11 am to 8 pm. Effective Friday 3/20, delivery from 4 pm to 7:30 pm with $20 order. Carry out from 11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 7:30 pm. Open Monday through Saturday. Call 870-201-1313 or find Fathead Pizza on Facebook.

Frankie’s Place & Brick Terrace Garden – Newport: Full menu. Carry out orders and curbside pick up. Open 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday. Find Frankie’s Place & Brick Terrace Garden on Facebook or call 870-217-4111 .

Hardee’s – Newport: Full menu. Drive thru only. Open 5:30 am to 10 pm Saturday through Thursday and 5:30 am to 11 pm Friday and Saturday. Call 870-523-6282 .

Howard’s Catfish Food Truck – Newport: Full menu. Carry out only. Open 11 am to 8 pm Thursday and Friday. Find Howard’s Catfish on Facebook or call 870-664-1827 .

Hunan – Newport: Full menu and buffet open. Carry out. Open 11 am to 9 pm Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays.

IMAD Village Grill & Chicken Shack – Newport: No buffet, full menu offered. Carry out or curbside pickup. Open 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm Monday through Friday. Call 870-217-5602 or find IMAD Village Grill and IMAD Chicken Shack on Facebook or call 870-217-5602 .

Jordan’s Kwik Stop #4 State & Malcolm Avenue – Newport: Full menu. Carry out only. Serving 24 hours Monday through Sunday. Call 870-523-1049.

Jordan’s Kwik Stop #7 across from El Puente – Newport: Hot box items including breakfast and lunch plates to-go. Serving from 8:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Sunday. Find Jordan’s Kwik Stop #7 on Facebook or call 870-523-4490 .

Jordan’s Kwik Stop #49 State & Malcolm Ave. – Newport: Full menu. Carry out only. Serving from 5 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday. Call 870-217-0545 .

Jordan’s at the Y: Full menu. Carry out only. Serving breakfast from 5 am to 10 am. Hot box items until 9 pm. Call ahead for larger orders to 870-523-3745 .

Little A’s – Newport: Full menu. We will be taking DELIVERY lunch orders as of tomorrow Frieday 20th. Orders will be delivered within city limits. You can place delivery orders between 10:30-1:30. Drive thru, carry out, or curbside pickup. Open 5:30 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday and 6 am to 2 pm on Saturday. Find Little A’s Café on Facebook or call 870-217-0338 .

Little Latte Food Truck – Newport: Limited menu. Carry out only. Open 7 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday and from 8 am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday. Find Little Latte on Facebook or call 870-624-0622 .

McDonalds – Newport: Full menu. Drive thru only. Walk-ins allowed for those who do not have a vehicle. Open 5 am to 11 pm Monday through Sunday. Find McDonald’s (2500 Malcolm Avenue, Newport, AR) on Facebook or call 870-201-1550 .

Mi Pueblito III – Newport: Full menu. Carry out only. Open 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday. Call 870-523-2278 .

Newport Mart/Shell – Newport: Full menu. Carry out only. Open 10 am to 7:30 pm Monday through Sunday.

Newport Nutrition – Newport: Full menu. Carry out or curbside pick up. Open from 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Find Newport Nutrition on Facebook. Limited delivery options will be posted on their Facebook page.

Penny’s Place – Newport: No buffet, plate lunches available. Drive thru, take out or curbside pickup. Office or industry delivery available, $50 minimum order, Newport only. Open 7 am to 3 pm Monday through Sunday. Find Penny’s Place – Newport on Facebook or call 870-201-1147 .

Pizza Hut – Newport: Full menu. Drive thru or carry out only. Open 11 am to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 11 am to 11 pm Friday and Saturday. Call 870-523-8961 .

Red Tie Meat Shop – Newport: Full lunch menu and fresh meat. Drive through or carry out. Open 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 5 pm Saturday. Find The Red Tie Meat Shop on Facebook or call 870-201-1555 .

Rusty’s Quick Shop – Swifton: Full menu. Carry out. Open Monday through Sunday. Serving breakfast from 6 am to 9 am and lunch from 10 am to close. Can deliver deli orders to elderly. Call 870-495-2363 or find Rusty’s on Facebook.

Sam’s Diner – Newport: Full menu. Carry out. Open 7 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. Call 870-523-2373 .

Shipley Do-Nuts – Newport: Full Menu. Drive thru or carry out. Find Shipley Do-Nuts Newport on Facebook or call 870-217-4098.

Smokehouse – Newport: Full menu and buffet open. Drive thru or carry out. Open Monday through Saturday 6 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 7 am to 8 pm.

Subway in Flash Market – Diaz: Full menu and hot box items. Open 6 am to 8 pm Monday through Sunday. Call 870-523-6679 .

Subway in Walmart – Newport: Full menu. Carry out only. Open 7 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 10 pm Friday and 8 am to 10 pm Saturday. Find Subway in Newport Walmart on Facebook, call 870-523-2309 or use the Subway app on your smartphone.

Taco Bell – Newport: No breakfast, otherwise full menu. Drive thru only. Open 10 am to 1 am Sunday through Thursday and from 10 am to 2 am Friday and Saturday. Call 870-523-4116 .

T Rick’s – Tuckerman: Limited menu. Take out or dine in. Open 6 am to 10 pm Monday through Sunday. Find T-ricks, Tuckerman on Facebook or call 870-808-5000 .

Tony’s Italian Restaurant – Newport: o our loyal customers we are informing you that we will be closed for now until further notice. Thank you for your support! Be safe.

White’s Snack Shack – Diaz: Now open! Limited Menu. Carry out. Serving from 5 am to 3 pm. Anybody can open a business at anytime. Most people do it when the economy is booming and the world isn’t turned upside down, but the whites snack shack likes a challenge. 870-201-1234 we will have plenty of sausage , bacon, ham , pork, chicken, biscuits ready to go in the morning. We will be open but you can’t eat inside . But with us being a c-store you can still come inside shop , order food , and get your food to take with you . Or call it in and we can bring it outside to you. We will have a plate lunch tomorrow I will post it in the morning. We also have Pizza, Wings, Burgers, Corn dogs, Chicken strips, and Cold sandwiches.
Please pray for our county and put a good word in for us to please. Thank y’all so much for the support you have gave me .. I appreciate every customer. Find White’s Snack Shack LLC on Facebook or call 870-201-1234 .

Walmart Deli – Newport: Full deli open. Carry out only. Open 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Sunday.

Newport Area Chamber of Commerce to host 3rd Annual Pot ‘O Gold Fundraiser

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 17:49:50 GMT

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Pot ‘O Gold fundraising event on Saturday, March 14 at the Newport Country Club where someone will win $10,000. Only 100 tickets will be sold for this exclusive event. Tickets are $200 each and includes entry for the ticket holder plus one guest per ticket, complimentary beer and wine until 9 p.m., heavy hors d’oeuvres, music provided by Any Events and a chance to win $10,000.

The Pot ‘O Gold ticket holders will be entered into a reverse raffle where ticket numbers will be eliminated throughout the evening until there are three finalists remaining. Any ticket holder that has been previously eliminated may purchase “second chance” tickets. One second chance ticket will be drawn as a fourth finalist. A fifth finalist will be determined by auction for the highest bidder. When these five finalists are determined, they may choose as a group to split the $10,000 pot. If any one of the five declines to split, the reverse raffle continues until the remaining finalists agree to split the pot or until there is only one finalist remaining.

In the event that any of the five finalists are eliminated, the following runner-up prizes will be awarded:

$100 cash, $200 cash, a $268 TCL 55-inch TV donated by Newport Walmart, and a $350 “His & Her” package including dermaplaning, teeth whitening and haircut, color & style from Beauty Parlor & Spa two rare bourbons – hand crafted Woodford Reserve and the award-winning Angel’s Envy – donated by George’s of Newport.

The Pot ‘O Gold begins at 6 p.m. Drawings will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, 201 Hazel Street, in downtown Newport.

The fundraiser will support the programs and services of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, which is dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and Jackson County by cultivating community involvement, encouraging business alliances, nurturing the growth and development of new and existing businesses, and creating educational opportunities for community youth.

Cobblestone Hotel and Suites to Build in Newport

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 17:55:57 GMT

COBBLESTONE HOTELS, LLC SIGNS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT IN ARKANSAS December 6, 2019 – Neenah, WI – Cobblestone Hotels announced the signing of the 54 room Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in Newport, AR.

“Expanding our growth in Arkansas has been a focus for our development team this year,” said Brian Wogernese, President & CEO of Cobblestone Hotels. “Adding a second location in the state will play a large role in that initiative.”

The 3-story hotel will feature the brands consistent amenities such fast and free Wi-Fi, convenience store, business center, fitness room, swimming pool, guest laundry, free digital access to the Wall Street Journal, and a complimentary hot breakfast served daily.

“The financing is in place, and construction will begin early 2020, with anticipated opening end of 2020,” said Jeremy Griesbach, President of Development. “We have been pushing forward to add the second location in Arkansas, so we are excited to officially be moving forward.”

Guestrooms will have a touch of contemporary elegance and offer modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, in-room coffee brewers, hairdryers, iron and ironing board, upgraded bedding, work desk with an ergonomic chair, and quality bathroom essentials. Extended stay suites with kitchenettes will also be available.

Whether you are traveling for business or for leisure, you will experience the big city quality, and small town values that each location has to offer. Visit www.CobblestoneHotels.com for reservations or for more information.

About Cobblestone Hotels

Based in Neenah, WI Cobblestone Hotels, LLC is a leading upper-midscale hotel brand with over 160 hotels open, under construction, or in development in 27 states. The company continues to pride itself in filling the lodging needs of communities through its upper mid-scale new build brand. Signature amenities include high-speed Internet access, complimentary hot breakfast, convenience store, fitness centers, business centers, and more.

C obblestone Hotel & Suites is part of Cobblestone Hotels, LLC, which also includes Boarders Inn & Suites & Suites, Cobblestone Inn & Suites, Key West Hotels, and Centerstone Hotels.

For development information please visit www.CobblestoneFranchising.com. Cobblestone Hotels offers the Cobblestone Rewards frequent stayer program where guests receive ten points for every dollar spent, and can be redeemed as award nights, or with other redemption partners.

For more information visit www.CobblestoneRewards.com.

Contact: Cody Thompson cthompson@cobblestonehotels.com

2019 Shop Til You Drop

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 18:31:05 GMT

Win big prizes while you “Shop Til You Drop” and Holiday Open Houses

Posted November 18, 2019

Press Release

Contact: Julie Allen, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce

(870) 523-3618 or director@newportarchamber.org

It pays to shop local! The Retail Merchants Committee of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce has kicked off the 2019 “Shop Til You Drop” holiday promotion at 25 participating locations in Newport. By visiting your local retailers, everyone 18 and older will be eligible to register for more than a dozen great prizes:

$1,000 Shopping Spree Grand Prize
$150 Mini Shopping Spree
Christmas Wreath from 2 Chicks Florist & More Co.
Free Balance and Rotation from B&C Tire
Dura Heat Radiant Tank Top Heater from C&M Ag Depot
Gifts from the following vendors inside Charee’s Emporium: The Birdcage Vintage Market Newport,
25 South Boutique, Delta Gal Boutique, The Back Forty Boutique, Gypsy Vintage Market, Third Generation
Yeti Tumbler from Churchman Building Center
Free Eye Exam from CustomEyes Vision Care
$50 Gift Certificate from Farmers Oil
Wine Discount Cards from George’s of Newport
Free Oil Change from Harris Ford
Melissa & Doug Playmat Rug from iCare RX Pharmacy
King Size Pillow Top Mattress Set from Jones Home Furnishings
Free Oil Change from Quick Lane
Gift Certificate from Sherwin Williams
Sandwich Platter and Dozen Cookies from Subway inside Walmart
Gift Basket from Tickled Pink Boutique inside Unity Health Harris Medical Center

To increase chances of winning, be sure to stop by all locations! Participating businesses include 2 Chicks Florist & More Co., Attention Medical Supply, B&C Tire, C&M Ag Depot, Cash Saver, Charee’s Emporium, Churchman Building Center, CustomEyes Vision Care, Darling’s Fine Things, Darling Pharmacy, Eddie’s Auto Parts, Farmers Oil Corp, Fathead Pizza, Gates Eye Care Center, George Kell Motors, George’s of Newport, Greenway Equipment, Harris Ford, iCare RX Pharmacy, Jones Home Furnishings, Norman & Baker Pharmacy, Quick Lane, Red Tie Meat Shop, Subway in Walmart and Tickled Pink Boutique.

Drawings will be held on Friday, Dec. 13. The $1,000 shopping spree must be spent in at least five of the participating locations.

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to try and shop in Newport and Jackson County this holiday season.

2019 Newport Christmas Parade

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 17:33:31 GMT

2019 Newport Christmas Parade

The Newport Christmas parade will be Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The parade committee is seeking floats, antique vehicles, beauty queens, horseback riders, etc. from school groups, area clubs or businesses. Participants will be traveling down Hwy. 69 to Malcolm Avenue then down to Village Mall parking lot.Plaques will be awarded for first, second and third place for both the commercial and non-commercial categories.

Entry is free, and participants may choose their own holiday theme. However, since the real Santa will be flying in early as the last entry in the parade, please do not incorporate a “fake” Santa into your float.

Float judging will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date. For more info, call 523-3618 or click on the entry form below.

Newport Christmas Parade Entry Form

Hype the Hound

The parade committee is excited to feature Hype the Hound as the Grand Marshal for the 2019 Newport Christmas Parade.

The Newport School District’s new mascot debuted in August just in time for this year’s football season. Hype has done an exceptional job leading the crowd in support of the Newport Greyhounds, but who is Hype the Hound? We had a sit-down interview with the mascot and learned a lot about this one-of-a-kind dog.

Hype’s family originates from England, British Isles. One of 12 brothers and sisters, it is not surprising that most of Hypes siblings are successful racers. How fast can Hype run? “It depends if I’m on two legs or four,” stated Hype.

Hype’s favorite color is orange, favorite song is “Who Let the Dogs Out” and favorite food is Kibbles ‘n Bits. Hype does not have a favorite sport but loves humans who are team players.

Hype’s strengths? A positive leader and and unending desire to be the best.

Hypes weaknesses? Shock collars and electric fences!

Hype does not currently have a significant other but is “playing the field.”

Bring the family to see Hype the Hound and the Newport Christmas parade beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 12.

Vendors, BBQ Teams sought for Depot Days Festival

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 17:35:34 GMT

The Depot Days committee of the Chamber is currently seeking teams to enter the annual Jackson County’s Best Backyard BBQ Contest, sponsored by Greenway Equipment, Inc. The event will be held in conjunction with the Depot Days Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28 on Front Street in downtown Newport. Entry fee is $50 per team that includes both the Boston butt division and the ribs division. Each team entering the contest will receive one Boston butt and one rack of ribs for judging. A new “Anything Goes” division will be offered this year for a cash prize for an additional $10 entry fee. Setup begins at 7 a.m. on Sept. 28. Judging in the ribs division will begin at 3 p.m., Anything Goes division at 3:30 p.m. and Boston butt judging at 4 p.m. For a complete listing of rules, prizes and an entry form, go to www.depotdays.org and click on the BBQ Contest tab.

Depot Days booth space is currently being offered for any arts & crafter, school organization, business or group for only $25 each. This is a perfect opportunity to sell your products or receive exposure for your organization or business! Vendors booths are for Saturday, September 28. Deadline to reserve a space is Friday, Sept. 20. For more details and an entry form, please contact the Chamber office at (870) 523-3618 or go to www.depotdays.org .

“Trashiest Team” Cleanup Contest Seeking Local Teams

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 17:41:09 GMT

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is currently recruiting teams to participate in the “Trashiest Team” contest during the Great Arkansas Clean-Up, the annual fall statewide litter pickup campaign promoted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB), a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc. and a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Businesses, organizations and individuals are asked to form a four to six person team that will pick up trash on a one-mile stretch of road (approximately) either Friday, Sept. 6 or Saturday, Sept. 7. Teams will be competing for the “Trashiest Team” title and trophy, which will be determined by the team that collects the most trash.

Civic and service organizations, church and youth groups, school groups and clubs, scouts, individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses can put together cleanup teams and pitch in. Don’t forget that this contest is not limited to roads only – your team could also consider cleaning up a ditch or lake bank too. Last year’s contest had more than 60 participants who collected 158 bags of trash on 10 miles of roadways, parks and lake banks throughout the Newport area.

Entry forms are available at the Chamber office by calling 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org . Deadline to enter a team is Wednesday, Sept. 5.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Applications for the 17th New Vision Newport Leadership Class

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 17:42:16 GMT

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 17th New Vision Newport leadership class. This Chamber-sponsored program will offer class members leadership skills, a greater knowledge of various aspects of our community, on-site visits to local businesses and manufacturers, a trip to Little Rock, team building and relationship building skills. Class members will be given an opportunity to better develop self-confidence, to achieve personal goals and to be a better and more productive citizen in the workplace and the community. With more than 300 alumni to date, many participants move on to hold elected offices, chair important community organizations, join civic clubs and volunteer for community events.

Here are a few comments about the program from last year’s class members:

“I will use what I have learned to reach out and participate in my community to make a positive impact.”
“The New Vision Newport program is a great asset to Jackson County. I will be using what I learned in all of my future endeavors.”
“The skills that I learned in New Vision Newport will help me to become a better employee and future community leader.”

This year’s sessions will begin with a mandatory overnight retreat on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14. In order to participate in the class, applicants must be able to attend this retreat. Other sessions are held one day per month at various locations with graduation from the course held in May.

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce will accept applications through Friday, August 2. Class size is limited, so it is imperative to get applications in on time. Tuition fee is $350 if accepted and includes all materials, meals and travel expenses. Businesses and organizations are asked to consider sponsoring an employee or representative.

To request an application or to learn about scholarship opportunities for tuition assistance, contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, 870-523-3618, email director@newportarchamber.org or visit www.newportarchamber.org .

NVN Application

2019 NVN dates and locations

Jackson County Economic Ranking Improves

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 18:05:05 GMT

The Newport Economic Development Commission is pleased to share that in the most recent classification of counties by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, Jackson County has improved from a Tier 4 County to a Tier 3 County. In 2003, legislation required the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to develop a ranking of Arkansas counties according to their economic condition, with Tier 1 counties being the most prosperous and Tier 4 counties being the least prosperous. Typically, the top 15 counties are in Tier 1, the next 20 in Tier 2, the next 20 in Tier 3 and the final 20 in Tier 4. To spur development in less prosperous counties, the thresholds companies had to reach to qualify for many state incentive packages was adjusted based on the Tier of the county. In the recent medical marijuana process, Tier 4 counties were given preference as locations for facilities. Tiers are based on a formula that incorporates unemployment rate, poverty rate, per capita income and population growth. The rankings are updated annually. Since the creation of the Tier system, Jackson County has been a Tier 4 county. In 2003, Jackson County was one of the lower of the Tier 4 counties. Growth has occurred over the years and Jackson County grew within the group of Tier 4 counties. As of July 1, 2019, the economic growth in the county resulted in Jackson County improving the condition enough to be classified as a Tier 3 county. “Obviously we are excited about the growth that has allowed us to become a Tier 3 county,” stated Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission, “however, we are focused on continuing to grow and eventually becoming a Tier 1 county.” While the incentive packages may be slightly more restricted because of the new Tier designation, the indication of growth given by the new ranking will be attractive to businesses and industries. The Newport Economic Development Commission greatly appreciates the work that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission does on behalf of all of Arkansas’ counties. “Without our great economic development partnerships, this growth would not occur in Jackson County,” remarked Chadwell. The following Arkansas Incentives Tier Map gives more information on Arkansas’ Tier system.

Shop Til You Drop

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 20:31:20 GMT

Win big prizes while you “Shop Til You Drop” and Holiday Open Houses

It pays to shop local! The Retail Merchants Committee of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce has kicked off the 2018 “Shop Til You Drop” holiday promotion at 26 participating locations in Newport. By visiting your local retailers, everyone 18 and older will be eligible to register for more than a dozen great prizes:

$1,000 Shopping Spree Grand Prize

$150 Mini Shopping Spree

Nativity Scene from 2 Chicks Nursery & Gifts

Free Balance & Rotation from B&C Tire

K2 Cooler from C&M Ag Depot

$25 gift certificate from Pink Poodle Boutique at Charee’s Emporium

$25 gift certificate from Back Forth Boutique at Charee’s Emporium

$25 gift certificate from 21 South Boutique at Charee’s Emporium

$25 gift certificate from Three Wishes Boutiqe at Charee’s Emporium

$75 gift certificate from Darling’s Fine Things

Half Gallon of Diva Wash from Darling’s Pharmacy

Two $30 gift cards from Farmers Oil

John Deere Toy from Greenway Equipment

Free Oil Change from Harris Ford

Electronic Glass Scale from iCareRx Pharmacy

Cheetah Print Accent Chair from Jones Home Furnishings

Happy Everything Nesting Cube with choice of attachment from Purdy’s Flowers & Gifts

Free Oil Change from Quick Lane

$25 gift card from Red Tie Meat Shop

Free Oil Change from Scott Wood Ram Truck Center

Sandwich Platter and a Dozen Cookies from Subway

Aromatique Gift Basket in Christmas scent from Tickled Pink Boutique

To increase chances of winning, be sure to stop by all locations! Participating businesses include 2 Chicks Nursery & Gifts, Attention Medical Supply, B&C Tire, C&M Ag Depot, Cash Saver, Charee’s Emporium, Churchman Building Center, Darling’s Fine Things, Darling Pharmacy, Eddie’s Auto Parts, Farmers Oil Corp, Gates Eye Care Center, George Kell Motors, Greenway Equipment, Harris Ford, iCare RX Pharmacy, Jones Home Furnishings, Norman & Baker Pharmacy, Purdy’s Flowers & Gifts, Quick Lane, The Red Tie Meat Shop, Scott Wood Ram Truck Center, Subway and Tickled Pink Boutique.

Drawings will be held on Friday, Dec. 14. The $1,000 shopping spree must be spent in at least five of the participating locations.

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to try and shop in Newport and Jackson County this holiday season.

Contact: Julie Allen, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce

(870) 523-3618 or director@newportarchamber.org

Newport Christmas Parade is December 13

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 18:08:50 GMT

The Newport Christmas parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 beginning at 6 p.m.

Entries are now being accepted at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce for floats, walking groups, antique vehicles, beauty queens, horseback riders, school organizations, etc. Participants will be traveling down Hwy. 69 to Malcolm Avenue then down to Village Mall parking lot. Awards will be given for first, second and third place for both the commercial and non-commercial categories. Entry is free, and participants may choose their own holiday theme. However, Santa Claus will be flying in early from the North Pole as the last entry in the parade, so please do not plan a “fake” Santa on your float. Float judging will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. Please include the name of your business or organization somewhere on your float for faster judging.

Completed forms may be faxed to 523-1055, dropped off at the Chamber at 201 Hazel Street, or emailed to director@newportarchamber.org .

In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date.

2018 parade entry form

Goodwill Hiring Event for ADC

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 25 May 2018 18:19:11 GMT

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas will be hosting a hiring event for Arkansas Department of Corrections. This will take place on Thursday, June 21, 2018 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The address for this location is 2500 Malcolm Avenue Newport, AR 72112. Must be 18 years old, pass a background check, drug screen, and have a valid driver’s license. Please go online to complete applications at arstatejobs.org. For more information, contact: Sonja Ross 870.495.3318, sross@GoodwillAR.org.

SafeSitter

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 25 May 2018 18:17:15 GMT

Designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use manikins to practice rescue skills like choking rescue! Friday, June 8, 2018 from 9:00 am -2:00 pm. Location: White River Medical Center, Education Building (across from the ER) 1710 Harrison St. Batesville, AR 72501. Registration Information: Class fee is $25. Lunch is provided. Pre-registration is required by May 31. Register early as classes fill quickly. Call 870.262.6555 or email tmcmullin@wrmc.com for additional information.

Major Street Repaving Project in Newport this Summer

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 23 May 2018 18:23:50 GMT

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) will be repaving Third Street, Malcolm Avenue and Hwy 367 from the foot of the Blue Bridge through Newport and Diaz. This project will go beyond just an ordinary repaving project and will include a significant amount of base work, especially on the outside lanes. The outside lanes nearest the curb will be removed three feet below the existing surface with a concrete base being installed before the asphalt surface is applied.

ArDOT knows that this project will create traffic issues in Newport and will impact businesses along the route. The contractor will work hard to lessen the negative impact as much as possible. Some of the steps being taken include the following: working in one-half mile sections at a time to reduce the length of construction and speed up the reopening of lanes; leaving at least one driveway or one back way into a business while construction is going on in front of that business; making sure the junction points between the new asphalt surface and the business driveways is smooth and makes a suitable transition; and working to get the sections in front of businesses open as soon as they possibly can.

This project will start the second week of June and is anticipated to last 3 ½ months. Weather delays could extend that time if we have significant adverse weather during the summer. The process will be inconvenient for several months, however, the end result will be extremely beneficial to the community.

Shearer’s Snacks Needs 40 Seasonal Employees

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 23 May 2018 18:22:23 GMT

SHEARER’S NEEDS 40 SEASONAL EMPLOYEES

Shearer’s Snacks is gearing up for a busy summer! They are looking to fill 40 seasonal positions. This is a great money-making opportunity for students before school starts again (must be 18 to apply).

Many of the roles can be converted to full-time jobs for team members who demonstrate Shearer’s core values of respect, teamwork and giving back! The Newport facility is leading the pack for Shearer’s in 2018 and they need good people to help keep this plant in front. Shearer’s offers part-time shifts, eight-hour shifts and twelve-hour shifts.

If you are interested go online and fill out their application.
https://ems.avionte.com/talent/apply/esapp-ar#/step/1

Then give Samantha a call at 870-336-3063.

Gränges to expand Newport Operations

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 08 May 2018 18:30:50 GMT

Company to invest $26 million, create 100 new, full-time jobs over two years

Gränges today announced that it will invest $26 million to expand its Newport, Ark., operations where it manufactures aluminum for various light gauge foil applications (i.e. food-grade packaging). The expansion will create an additional 100 full-time jobs over two years, more than quadrupling its current 21 positions.

“This investment builds on our foil strategy as we invest to once again serve our light gauge foil customers and their growth plans. It is great news not only for our future customers but also for the local community in the Newport area,” said Gränges Americas President Patrick Lawlor.

“Gränges is a great example of the momentum we’re seeing in foreign direct investment in Arkansas,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “This expansion shows that Gränges has the confidence that the talent here in Arkansas will move the company forward and continue to help them succeed in the global marketplace.”

In 2016, Gränges purchased Noranda Aluminum and acquired the Newport facility along with those in Tennessee and North Carolina. The Swedish company’s Arkansas facility has one of the widest aluminum rolling mills in the United States and utilizes a proprietary coating process.

“We are so excited to work with a corporate partner like Gränges,” said Dean Sides, chairman of the Newport Economic Development Commission. “Their commitment to manufacturing a quality product in a safe work environment makes them a great corporate partner.”

The expansion will have a great impact on the city of Newport and surrounding area.

“Gränges’ investment in this facility, one of the longest operating manufacturing plants in Jackson County, is a tremendous boost for our local economy,” said Jon Chadwell, director of economic development for the Newport Economic Development Commission. “We are thrilled to have 100 jobs returning to Jackson County. These jobs pay significantly higher than our average wage and will give local citizens a chance to improve their family income right here at home.”

“We hope this is the beginning of a great partnership with Granges that will bring more investment and more jobs to Newport and Jackson County,” Chadwell continued. “We want to thank the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for partnering with us to bring these jobs to Jackson County. The expansion would not have been possible without their hard work and investment.”

Gränges also operates facilities in Huntingdon, Tenn., and Salisbury, N.C. In addition to food packaging, the company manufactures products for HVAC , transformers, and the automobile industry. About half of the cars produced in the world today contain materials produced by Gränges, company officials said. For information on Gränges, visit www.granges.com .

ASU-Newport will present Toy Story

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 08 May 2018 18:26:58 GMT

ASU-Newport will present Toy Story this Saturday for Movies in the Park! The movie will begin at dusk (approximately 8:15 p.m.) in downtown Newport. FREE admission for all. Check out the complete schedule, we’ll see you there!

Newport Chamber Banquet is January 25

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 19:32:03 GMT

The 82nd Annual Newport Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held Thursday, January 25 at the Newport Country Club. The event will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. Back by popular demand, a short auction will feature bids for the Christmas parade grand marshal as well as street sign naming at Newport Lake. This is a great way to honor someone from your business or organization! Annual awards will be given following dinner including recognition for small business, large business, community pride and Jackson County’s outstanding citizen.

This year’s featured speaker will be Heather Fox, Learning and Development team manager with FedEx. Fox is an Arkansas native from Sparkman, was born in Little Rock, and attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway where she received her BS in Sociology. She moved to Memphis in 1998 to pursue a career in advertising. After transitioning to FedEx in 2001, she attended graduate school at the University of Memphis where she earned an MBA. She is celebrating her 17th year with FedEx and previously worked in Sales/Solutions and Global Marketing before joining the Human Resources team.

Fox’s true passion is inspiring others to grow both personally and professionally. In her inspiring story titled IMPACT, Fox describes how she stopped to help a stranded motorist, but it unexpectedly took a turn for the worse. Hear her incredible story of how a young girl saved her life — changing her outlook forever, and how she is now making her own impact on the lives of others.

Fox is married and has one daughter, Sophie Joy who is eight, and a six-year-old little son named William. She enjoys running, scrapbooking and reading.

Cost to attend the banquet is $30 per person and is open to the public. Tickets will not be given, however pre-payment is mandatory in order to reserve your seat. RSVP at the Chamber office at (870) 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org by Friday, January 19. Tables of eight people may be reserved for your business or organization.

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and Jackson County by cultivating community involvement, encouraging business alliances, nurturing the growth and development of new and existing businesses, and creating educational opportunities for community youth.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

2017 Art Auction and Fundraiser

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 18:35:58 GMT

The Art Auction and Fundraiser is held each year for the Delta Visual Arts Show. All of the pieces have been donated by the participating artists and 100% of the money raised by the sale of the art is used to keep the show free for the artists and for the public. Tickets are sold for $20 per person to cover the cost of hors d’ouevres and beverages. Please come out and support the Arts in northeast Arkansas. Call 870-523-1009 to RSVP as soon as possible.

Be Part of Our Living Memorial on Veterans Day

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 18:42:33 GMT

Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 9:30 am

We are seeking 138 volunteers to help us honor veterans who have died while in service to our country. The Living Memorial will take place on November 11, 2017 during the dedication of the new Jackson County Veterans Memorial on Front Street in Newport, Arkansas. Each of the 138 volunteers will represent a veteran who died in service. As people walk through the living memorial each volunteer will have a paragraph of information about that veteran that they can share with anyone who approaches them and asks.

Private Billy J. Birmingham

Private Birmingham was born on July 20, 1927. William U. Birmingham was his father and they lived at 418 Newport Avenue. Billy enlisted on March 9, 1944 when he was 16 years old. He would die half a world away on Iwo Jima five months before his 18th birthday. On December 18, 1945 a full military funeral was held for Billy at the First Baptist Church. Private Birmingham is buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Newport.

Please call or email to volunteer for the Living Memorial and help us honor heroes like Billy.

20th Annual Depot Days Music Festival

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:43:23 GMT

The 20th annual Depot Days music festival is set to take place September 29th-30th, 2017 on historic Front Street in downtown Newport, Arkansas. The festival is a showcase of local, regional, and national talent paying tribute to the early history of Rock and Roll. Old U.S. Highway 67, which runs through the heart of Newport and Jackson County, was the home for dozens of roadhouses and nightclubs which hosted early shows by rock pioneers in the 1950’s and 60’s. Music legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Sonny Burgess all frequented the venues along the highway when Rock music was in its’ infancy. Festival goers from Europe, Australia, and all over the U.S. make annual pilgrimages to Front Street to catch a glimpse of living legends from the 50’s as well as younger generations of musicians who were inspired by the elders.

The expansion of the festival to include a Friday night Blues Show was a HIT last year. We are bringing the Blues Show back to the stage this year on Friday night at 6:00 p.m.

The festival also offers food vendors, crafts, children’s activities, a BBQ contest, and free prizes given away from the stage all day on Saturday! Coolers are welcome. Admission is FREE! For more information see our Depot Days Facebook page, our website at www.depotdays.org or contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at director@newportarchamber.org or call 870-523-3618.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

The 9th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 18:45:05 GMT

The 9th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Thursday, Aug. 24 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Newport Country Club. Hosted by the Newport Special School District Charitable Foundation, the event will honor the following outstanding graduates with induction into the Newport Alumni Hall of Fame.

John Robert Purdy, Jr., a 1958 graduate of NHS, grew up on Walnut Street in Newport and became an Eagle Scout under the direction of Scoutmaster Ray O. Fann. Following high school, Purdy attended the University of Arkansas where he was a member of the Fabulous XI of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

In 1961, he joined his parents at Purdy’s Flower Shop, which was established by his mother in 1931. For the next 50 years, John and his wife Rosanna, expanded from the original flower business to include a large selection of gifts. In 2012, the couple sold Purdy’s, which remains the oldest single family-owned business in Jackson County. The Purdy family served the families of Jackson County for 81 years.

Over the years, Purdy was active in both professional associations and community service. He was a member and past president of the Board of Directors as well as served as Chairman of Advertising and Communications of the Arkansas Florist Association. He was a member of Rotary International for over 50 years where he was a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as a member of the Rotary Regional Selection Committee for Group Study Exchange in Northeast Arkansas.

Purdy donated countless hours over the last seven years as President of the Walnut Grove Cemetery Association. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newport, the Methodist Men and a leader of Methodist Youth Fellowship. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his commitment to excellence in all of his endeavors and, most importantly, as a true friend. Family, friends and the Newport community was extremely important to Mr. Purdy, and he believed that Newport was the best place in the world.

Austin Grimes, MD graduated from Newport High School in 1946 and was president of his senior class. He was an Eagle Scout and junior assistant scout master under Charles Brosh at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Dr. Grimes received flight training at Newport Auxiliary Airfield during WWII, and was licensed as a pilot in 1945. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Arkansas where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. He went on to graduate from UAMS in 1955, interned for one year at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami before joining the Air Force.

Dr. Grimes graduated from Flight Surgeon School at Randolph Air Force Base, served two years active duty and returned to Jackson Memorial for three years as a resident in general surgery and orthopedic surgery. He was recalled to USAF for the Bay of Pigs affair, then returned to Little Rock to complete the four-year residency. He practiced solo for five years before forming the Little Rock Orthopedic Clinic with two others. Dr. Grimes retired from surgery at age 65, saw patients for another five years and volunteered with St. Vincent free clinic for another three years until retiring fully at age 70.

Life didn’t quite slow down after retirement for Dr. Grimes. He completed a second term on the vestry at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock, took art classes and was trained as a docent at the Arkansas Arts Center where he led tours for six years. He became a founding member of an art co-op in Little Rock after he began painting in oils. His work has been included in calendars for the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Association and for CARTI. A highlight of recent years has been his participation in the Delta Visual Arts Show in Newport.

Joseph Wayne Black, NHS Class of 1970, received a Bachelor of Science in Business from Arkansas State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Mr. Black has been an Arkansas Congressional Office Manager for U.S. Representative Blanche Lincoln, worked for the Department of Economic Development at Arkansas State University, served as a professional consultant for numerous businesses and organizations, and has worked as a local farmer. He has served on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and many other local, state and national committees and boards, which have all resulted in invaluable worldwide travel and networking opportunities.

He was a member of LeadAR (Leadership Arkansas), Phillips County Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge and PLUS (Professional Leaders United for Service) Club. He has served as Jackson County president and a former state board member of the Urban League and as a board member of Delta LISC, a non-profit provider of affordable housing in the Delta.

He is retired president of Southern Bancorp Financial Partners, a non-profit for economic development and subsidiary of Southern Bancorp, which is the largest rural development bank in the country. Capital Partners helps develop economies and schools in struggling areas. In 2011, Governor Mike Beebe appointed Mr. Black to a seven-year term on the Arkansas State Board of Education.

Dr. Patti J. Mullins, DDS was valedictorian of the Newport Class of 1975. She was also a member of the inaugural class of Newport Greyhound Whippets. She attended the University of Arkansas for three years and completed college at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in chemistry. Following college, Dr. Mullins attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry where she graduated in 1983. She returned to Newport to practice with Dr. Mike Brown before opening her own practice where she has been for the past 34 years.

Dr. Mullins has been very active in the Newport community. She has served on the boards of the United Way, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Jackson County Council on Tourism, Newport Hospital, ASU-Newport Patron Series and the ASU Developmental Board. She is a member of the Newport Rotary Club, where she has served as president and is a Paul Harris Fellow, as well as a member of Chapter R PEO, the Jackson County Council on Tourism and Newport First United Methodist Church.

She was a member of the 8th New Vision Newport leadership development class. Dr. Mullins served four years as a PortFest Festival director in charge of the Captains Ball and remains a PortFest volunteer.

Dr. Mullins created the Newport Christmas Decorating Fund approximately 13 years ago, which has resulted in an ever-growing collection of Christmas displays in and around Newport including 125 pre-lit Christmas trees, the Nutcracker exhibit at the farmers market pavilion, displays at the Jackson County Courthouse and Iron Mountain Depot, and the newest display at the new downtown veteran’s park. In addition, she provides the largest private Christmas display in the region at her home that includes a life-size nativity scene, a talking Rudolph and a virtual Santa that attracts both the young and the young at heart.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, 201 Hazel Street in Newport, and are $25 per person. Checks can be made payable to the NSSD Charitable Foundation. For more info, call (870) 523-3618 or email newportfoundation@yahoo.com .

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“Trashiest Team” cleanup contest seeking local teams

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 18:44:10 GMT

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is currently recruiting teams to participate in the “Trashiest Team” contest during the Great Arkansas Clean-Up, the annual fall statewide litter pickup campaign promoted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB), a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc. and a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Businesses, organizations and individuals are asked to form a four to six person team that will pick up trash on a one-mile stretch of road (approximately) either Friday, Sept. 8 or Saturday, Sept. 9. Teams will be competing for the “Trashiest Team” title and plaque, determined by the team that collects the most trash.

Everyone in Newport and Jackson County is encouraged to participate in this year’s litter-pickup effort. Civic and service organizations, church and youth groups, school groups and clubs, scouts, individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses can put together cleanup teams and pitch in. Don’t forget that this contest is not limited to roads only – your team could also consider cleaning up a ditch or lake bank too. Last year’s contest had more than 80 participants who collected 100 bags of trash on 10 miles of roadways, parks and lake banks throughout the Newport area.

Trash pick-up will last approximately one to three hours. Teams are asked to meet at Lockwood Park at 9 a.m. on their chosen day for assignments and contest information. Arrangements can also be made to pick up items in advance. Teams are asked to bring their own supplies such as gardening gloves and sticks. Trash bags and plastic gloves will be provided for the event. Participants will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last, so register early!

Entry forms are available at the Chamber office by calling 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org . Deadline to enter a team is Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Newport Chamber Banquet is March 2

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 19:46:44 GMT

The 81st Annual Newport Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held Thursday, March 2 at the Newport Country Club. The event will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. at which time a short auction will be held as a 2017 Chamber fundraiser. Back by popular demand, the auction will feature bids for the Christmas parade grand marshal as well as street sign naming at Newport Lake. This is a great way to honor someone from your business or organization! Annual awards will be given following dinner including recognition for small business, large business, community pride and Jackson County’s outstanding citizen.

2016 Newport Christmas Parade Grand Marshals

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 19:47:36 GMT

Dr. Patti Mullins and Buddy Rutledge will serve as grand marshals of this year’s Newport Christmas parade on Thursday, Dec. 8. The two are being recognized for spearheading the annual Christmas decorating efforts in Newport.

It is no secret that Dr. Mullins is a fan of the holidays. She has been growing her own personal collection of Christmas displays at her home and dental office for quite some time. She began her efforts to decorate the town approximately 12 years ago with exterior Christmas lights on the Iron Mountain Depot. As Mayor David Stewart put it, “She’s been at it ever since!”

Dr. Mullins created the Newport Christmas Decorating Fund, then in 2012 partnered with friend Buddy Rutledge and others to raise money for their next project – the Jackson County Courthouse. Rutledge not only had a similar passion for the holidays as Mullins, but he is also a professional electrician whose skills have been essential for developing plans to power each new display, such as the one at the courthouse, which includes a giant snowman, 15-foot Santa and thousands of lights.

Partnerships and support have grown since the initial investment of lighting the Depot. The Jackson County Council on Tourism, Jacksonport State Park, City of Newport Parks & Recreation Department, ASU-Newport, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and many others are pooling resources and volunteers to add to the lighting efforts annually. In addition, Mullins and Rutledge handle all fundraising efforts for the purchase of each new component, which to date features over 125 pre-lit Christmas trees throughout the city and at Newport Lake, the Nutcracker exhibit at the farmers market pavilion, and new displays this year in downtown Newport. Seven giant Nutcracker soldiers lining Front Street near the Iron Mountain Depot, a 21-foot red, white and blue Christmas tree in the Veterans Park, and a seven-piece soldier band will be a wonderful addition to the decorating efforts.

Mullins stated that the pair “would like to thank the community for donating funds that allow us to make the Christmas decorations possible.”

Because of Mullins and Rutledge’s leadership and passion, citizens and business owners have been inspired to purchase and display their own outdoor decorations to add to the overall spirit of the season, and plans have already begun for new exhibits in 2017.

Mullins and Rutledge were selected as grand marshals at the annual Newport Area Chamber of Commerce banquet during its fundraising auction. They were awarded the honor by friends Rhett and Jan Maris, Joey and Dee Dee Dupree, and Ike Wheeler.

2016 Newport Christmas Parade

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 19:55:17 GMT

Newport Christmas parade is December 8

The Newport Christmas parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 beginning at 6 p.m.

Line up will be held in the parking lot across from Riceland Foods no sooner than 5 p.m. (McLain and Hwy. 69). Vehicles that are entered in the parade are to enter the parking lot from McLain Street and face toward Hwy. 69. There will be a line up crew on hand. The line up area will be very crowded. Those who are driving vehicles that will not be in the parade are asked to find parking on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69 and walk across to the line up area. If dropping off a parade participant, please do not enter the parking lot.

Entry forms are now available at the Chamber office. Completed forms may be faxed to 523-1055, dropped off at the Chamber at 201 Hazel Street, or emailed to director@newportarchamber.org .

In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date.

The Delta Blues Tent- Depot Days Festival

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 18:56:57 GMT

The 19th annual Depot Days festival is expanding this year to include a Friday Night schedule of music and fun. “The Delta Blues Tent” will offer an evening of free entertainment beginning at 7:00 p.m. on September 23d on Hazel Street Downtown. Food and drink vendors will also be on hand.

The performance schedule is as follows:

7:00 — The Deltatones (Arkansas newest funky blues band)

8:15 — The Memphis All-Stars (Decades of Memphis Soul)

Both of these bands are full of musicians who are seasoned professionals and promise to bring a new and diverse musical experience to attendees on Friday Night.

The Deltatones are led by guitar-virtuoso Joe Castrodale who grew up playing music in Detroit Michigan. Influenced by R&B, Funk, Jazz and Soul musicians Joe has jammed with notable superstars such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Bootsy Collins and The Allman Brothers. The rest of his band are all polished veterans of the Blues scene in Memphis, Little Rock and Austin Texas.

The Memphis All-Stars are fronted by a R&B soul-master keyboard player reminiscient of Stevie Wonder and lead guitarist Greg Redding who began his professional career with Black Oak Arkansas in the midst of their international stardom of the 70’s. Their repertoire is expansive and they promise to please any fan of Motown, Stax and R&B in general.

Newport has not experienced R&B talent of this caliber at a free public event in over twenty years. DON’T MISS THIS EXCITING EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT!!!

For more information look us up at www.depotdays.org or contact the Newport Chamber of Commerce at 870-523-3618. Like us on Facebook at Depot Days Festival.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

2016 Depot Days Festival

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:57:47 GMT

The 19th annual Depot Days music festival is set to take place on September 23d and 24th, 2016 on historic Front Street in downtown Newport, Arkansas. The festival is a showcase of local, regional, and national talent paying tribute to the early history of Rock and Roll. Old U.S. Highway 67, which runs through the heart of Newport and Jackson County, was the home for dozens of roadhouses and nightclubs which hosted early shows by rock pioneers in the 1950’s and 60’s. Music legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Sonny Burgess all frequented the venues along the highway when Rock music was in its’ infancy. Festival goers from Europe, Australia, and all over the U.S. make annual pilgrimages to Front Street to catch a glimpse of living legends from the 50’s as well as younger generations of musicians who were inspired by the elders.

The festival has expanded this year to include a Friday night live Blues show under a tent which will be utilized for expanded children’s activities on Saturday.

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8th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 19:01:17 GMT

The 8th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Thursday, Aug. 25 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Newport Country Club. Hosted by the Newport Special School District Charitable Foundation, the event will honor the following outstanding graduates with induction into the Newport Alumni Hall of Fame.

Wardell B. “Poppy” Pennington was a member of the Class of 1943 and attended Newport High School through the 11th grade where he lettered in football, basketball and track. Working all the while, it was during this time that he met his first and only sweetheart, Dorothy Collier – the same woman to become his wife of 56 years and mother of their three children. NHS is also where Poppy’s legend started taking hold. He took care of people – especially those who couldn’t care for themselves, and he wouldn’t tolerate a bully. Pop never started fights, but he sure was good at finishing them. Over all of his 93 years, there has never been a story wherein Poppy got whipped.

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Poppy didn’t hesitate. Pennington joined the U.S. Air Force as an Engineer and Gunner in the 489th Bomb Squadron. During WWII, the sortie expectation for bomber crews hovered between 25 and 30 combat missions. Poppy flew a staggering 65 missions over the European Theatre, receiving 4 Bronze Stars and numerous medals and commendations.

Though he left the armed services after the war, Poppy never stopped serving. He and Dorothy opened a number of restaurants in Newport, and their burgers became a food-stuff of legend in and around the state. Money & Poppy’s restaurant was the recipient of various “Best Burger in the State” awards, receiving accolades nearly every year they were in business.

Pennington was a very active member of Umsted Memorial Methodist Church. In 1996 and at the age of 81, Poppy had already attempted retirement three separate times. In most recent years, he started volunteering at the local food bank, and continued serving others until his last day – literally.

Bobby A. Huey graduated in 1952 as an honor student and was in the top five of his class. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy-Soils and obtained a Master of Science degree in 1965. In his early years, Huey played semi-professional baseball in the Delta League and in the Southeast Missouri League.

Through the years, Huey got to know the state and its variety of crops through positions as an assistant county extension agent in Cross County, an extension farm management position in Clay County and as an associate county extension agent in Corning. He served as Lonoke County extension staff chairman from 1965-1970. In 1970, Huey became the first full-time rice extension specialist at the university’s rice branch experiment station in Stuttgart, where he would spend the last 20 years of his career.

Huey has helped farmers improve income by incorporating new technology using various methods, working with the entire agricultural industry. He helped develop a unique Rice Information document in 1970 and the DD50 program that are both still being used today. Huey did the first rice verification trails in 1983 that are still in existence, which verifies his work has had lasting value.

Huey presented educational programs in Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Florida. He helped establish a rice production program at the University of Florida and University of Porta Rica. He spent 17 days in Egypt as part of a review team to USAID to review a rice project. Huey was also invited to participate in the International Weed Society meeting at IRRI in the Phillippines.

Honors include the Distinguished Rice Research and Education Award for outstanding achievements and contributions to the American Rice Industry/Rice Technical Working Group, Extension Specialist of the Year, an Arkansas Farm Bureau Service Award, the Arkansas Rice Festival Appreciation Award, John White Outstanding Extension Award, and a “Friend of the Farmer” Award from Riceland Foods, Inc. In addition, Huey was granted “emeritus” rank by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees in appreciation for “contributions to the progress of the University of Arkansas,” and he was recognized for 30 years of service to Arkansas agriculture by the Arkansas Plant Food Educational Society.

Since his retirement in 1990, Huey has traveled to 38 states, written 26 books mostly for fun, and he built a retirement home with his own two hands, which took two years to complete. He currently resides in Jackson County and spends winters in Florida.

Mark “Redbird” Ramsey, a 1977 graduate of Newport High School, came from humble beginnings. His younger sisters (Lisa and Sabrina) and he were abandoned by their parents when he was 6. Raised by his late Grandmother Pearly Mae, Ramsey had to work all through his middle and high school years to help his Grandmother make ends meet. He played and lettered for the Newport Greyhounds football team where he earned his nickname “Redbird” and was voted “Most Likely to be Remembered” by his classmates.

Ramsey was a member of the JROTC throughout his high school career. He enlisted in the U.S. Army while still in school under their “delayed entry” program. He entered active duty upon graduation where he was stationed at Ft Bragg, NC as an 82nd Airborne qualified Helicopter Crew Chief and door gunner. While in the Army, he qualified as an Expert with the rifle, received the Army Commendation for Outstanding Service, and the Army Good Conduct awards. After a weekend trip to the United States Coast Guard Academy to visit his childhood best friend and past Hall of Fame Inductee Charles Ray, Ramsey applied for admission into the Academy and was accepted in 1979. He finished college at Eastern Connecticut State University with a dual degree in Mathematics and Computer Science.

In his 30 + years of professional experience, he has become an industry recognized expert in Information Security and Compliance. He has directed all aspects of information security for several Fortune 500 companies such as Pitney Bowes, General Electric, and Stanley Black and Decker. During his tenure at these companies he received the United Technologies Outstanding Employee Award, and the Pitney Bowes One Standard Excellence Award. Mark was also featured in the January 2006 issue of the Information Security Magazine. He is currently the Chief Information Security Officer for ASSA ABLOY Americas. He is responsible for the implementation and administration of all information security policies and technologies for over 4,000 employees in North, Central, and South America.

In addition to his day job, Ramsey is starting his 31st year as an adjunct professor teaching graduate and undergraduate courses for the School of Engineering at Fairfield University, a top Jesuit College in the U.S. He currently teaches 5 Information Security Courses he developed for the Master Degree students in the Software Engineering Program. He has twice been named to the Who’s Who of American Teachers and has received the Outstanding Faculty Award. He was also awarded the prestigious “Fellow of Institute Award.” Ramsey also serves as President of the Connecticut Chapter of the InfraGard National Members Alliance, which is a public/private partnership between the FBI and the private sector. It is an association of persons who represent businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement/public safety agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the U.S. Mark was just nominated as President of the Year for 2016. He will be honored at their national conference in September in Orlando.

He and his wife Mary live in Trumbull, Connecticut, where they have raised two daughters, Meredith and Emily.

1965 Newport Greyhound State AA Champion Basketball Team was the only state basketball championship Newport has ever won. The team had a record of 27-3 and included Statistician Jimmy Case, Manager Scott Henderson, Ronnie Stites, Freddie Sweat, Phillip Sexton, Coach Butch Duncan, Patrick Brosh, Bobby Blanshard, Robert Chatman, Jimmy Holt, Ricky Canard, Coach Bernis Duke and starters Don Smotherman, Bill Holt, Mike Allen, Bill Osier and Paul Massey. Team members represented the classes of 1965-67. Massey, Allen, Sweatt and Case are gone but will never be forgotten.

The Hounds averaged 70 points per game in the state tournament, breaking the record of 69. The margin of victory of 18 points broke the old record set in 1959. Attendance in the finals of the tournament was 6,145, which beat the old record by 1,143 fans. This was the largest crowd to witness a basketball game in Arkansas history up to that time. They defeated Mountain Home in first game, Mablevale in the second, Greene County Tech in round three, and Harrison in the finals.

“The fan support was incredible, and the lines of Newport cars traveling to and from Little Rock was unforgettable,” said starter Bill Osier. “The huge outpouring of support from the Newport fans made this one of the most remembered sporting events in Newport sports history, not only for fans, but also for the players who have long appreciated this as such an exciting experience.”

The 1965 AA State Basketball Champions had a record of 27-3 and were Region Champs as well as State Champs. Bill Holt and Paul Massey were selected to the All State and All Region teams. Bill Osier was selected to the All State team, and Don Smotherman was selected to the All Region team.

Cheerleaders for that year were Janie Coe Steen, Brenda Hemenway Albright, Connie Davis Cook, Carolyn Cross Jones, Mary Smith Baker, Nan Castleberry Cox, Mary Katherine Beaumont Williams, Becky Travis McCartney, and Cynthia Keedy Smotherman.

Building for the Future and Impacting Lives’ Fundraising Banquet

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:58:44 GMT

NEWPORT, ARK — Arkansas Center for Independence (ACI) announced today that the non-profit organization will host ‘Building for the Future and Impacting Lives’ Fundraising Banquet, Tuesday, September 20 at 6 p.m. at the Newport County Club with special guest and keynote speaker, Charles Balentine. Balentine is a former Newport resident, a 2013 Inductee into the Arkansas Razorback Basketball Hall of Honor, and a former NBA Player for the Sacramento Kings. ACI invites local community leaders and individual donors to the exclusive fundraising event.
Glenda Rutledge-May, ACI Executive Director said, “We are so excited to have Charles Balentine return home and headline our event. Most people in Newport know him and the great things that he has done. I know that he will have an inspirational message for all that attend. We will also be unveiling the new building plans for the center, including the exterior look as well as renderings of the training spaces. If you have been following our progress on the building fund, this is an event you will not want to miss!”
Throughout the evening, silent and live auctions will be taking place with happy hour beginning at 5 p.m. The banquet will begin at 6 p.m., with Balentine to begin the keynote note address at 7 p.m. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. Individual tickets for the banquet can be purchased for $30 and reserved tables can be purchased for $300. Reserved tables include 8 seats per table with seating towards the front.
For those who purchase reserved tables, your contribution will also help send four clients from ACI to the event. Tickets can be purchased at all Merchant and Planters Bank locations in Newport and Tuckerman, More Old Treasures Thrift Store in Newport, or by calling ACI. Additional ticket information can also be found on the ‘Arkansas Center for Independence’ Facebook page or at www. acicharlesbalentine.ticketleap.com/banquet.For more information, please contact ACI at 870.523.8488 or email drounds@arkci.com.
ACI, formerly known as the ‘Jackson County Learning Center’ in Newport is one of the oldest non-profits in the state whose mission is to provide supports and services for adults with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism. The Center’s building was built in 1959 and is now in disrepair. All money raised for this event will be used to benefit the building fund for a new facility.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Newport, Paris Join Main Street’s Arkansas Downtown Network

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:02:53 GMT

Newport and Paris have joined Main Street Arkansas’s Arkansas Downtown Network (ADN) program, Main Street Arkansas Director Greg Phillips announced today. Main Street Arkansas is a program area of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

“We are very excited that Newport and Paris have joined the Arkansas Downtown Network of cities working to bring new vitality into their historic commercial cores,” Department of Arkansas Heritage Director Stacy Hurst said. “As members of the ADN, the downtown revitalization programs in Newport and Paris will have access to Main Street Arkansas’s quarterly trainings, organizational assistance, limited technical assistance from Main Street staff members and access to the Main Street resource center.”

Main Street Arkansas provides technical assistance and design services to help create economic development in the state’s downtown areas. The Main Street approach to downtown revitalization focuses on four areas: design, economic restructuring, organization and promotion.

Cities currently involved in Main Street Arkansas are Batesville, Blytheville, Conway, Dumas, El Dorado, Eureka Springs, Helena-West Helena, Jonesboro, Downtown Little Rock Partnership, Little Rock’s South Main Street (SoMa), Osceola, Ozark, Paragould, Rogers, Russellville, Searcy, Siloam Springs, Texarkana and West Memphis. Members of Main Street’s Arkansas Downtown Network are Hardy, Pine Bluff, Heber Springs, Fort Smith, Morrilton, Rector, Monticello, Arkadelphia, Clarksville, Warren, Wynne, Forrest City, Malvern, Pocahontas, Newport and Paris. Other sponsors of the Main Street Arkansas program are Preserve Arkansas and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. To learn more about Main Street Arkansas, visit mainstreetarkansas.com .

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is the agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage responsible for the identification, evaluation, registration and preservation of the state’s cultural resources. Other agencies in the department are the Arkansas Arts Council, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the Historic Arkansas Museum.

Clinton School Students Aid in the Development of Creative Economy

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:03:37 GMT

LITTLE ROCK, AR—Plans are underway to construct a visual arts center in downtown Newport, Arkansas in an effort to enhance economic development. The proposed Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts will provide a unique space for patrons to refine their talents and create ample opportunities for art related education. The visual arts center project is part of a larger revitalization effort that aims to stimulate Newport’s downtown district.

This is the seventh public service project completed in nearly eight years of collaboration between the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC), and Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.). Clinton School students, Stacy Cox of Little Rock, Arkansas, Zachary Glembin of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Beau Papan of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Keith Preciados of Miami, Florida, supported this initiative by identifying resources for the $1.3 million renovation of the historic Arkansas Bank and Trust building.

This announcement comes shortly after the success of the 8th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show. This year’s show featured 181 artists from three states and 61 Arkansas communities, highlighting primarily artists who grew up in the Delta, live or have lived in the Delta, or who produce Delta themed work.

“Based on the sustained success over the last eight years, we believe that Arkansas Delta residents are yearning for a chance to participate and enjoy the arts on a year round basis,” said Jon Chadwell, Director of the NEDC. “The Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts will serve as a gateway for local citizens to participate in the Creative Economy and to be inspired by the works of the amazingly talented artists of our region.”

A public press conference and reception was held Monday, April 25, 2015 to share the work conducted by the Clinton School students. For more information about the conference feel free to call (870) 523-1009.

Boozman Provision in Appropriations Bill Paves Way for Interstate Status of U.S. 67

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 19:04:40 GMT

Boozman Provision in Appropriations Bill Paves Way for Interstate Status of U.S. 67

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator John Boozman, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, included a provision in the Fiscal Year 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill that would put Arkansas on path to add another highway to our nation’s interstate system.

The Senate Appropriations Committee reported the bill on Thursday containing Boozman’s language designating Highway 67 from North Little Rock to Walnut Ridge as “Future I-57.” The bill would also give Arkansas the ability to request that any segment of the road that is built to interstate standards be officially added to the federal interstate system as “I-57.”

“Arkansas has worked for decades to build this road. The time has come to start calling it what it is — an interstate-quality highway that connects Arkansas farms, factories and travelers, to the rest of our country,” Boozman said. “New interstates take many years and support from the federal, state and local level to complete. As we work over the coming years to build future interstates in Arkansas, such as I-49, I-69 and a completed I-57, we will make Arkansas a better-connected state that is open for business.”

After years of work and investment, Arkansas has built an interstate-quality road from Little Rock to northeast Arkansas. This road is naturally oriented to eventually connect with the existing I-57 in southeast Missouri. Currently I-57 extends from Chicago, Illinois to Sikeston, Missouri. The designation of Highway 67 from North Little Rock to Walnut Ridge as “Future I-57” establishes in federal law that the region is on-track to officially add a direct interstate connection from the Little Rock region to Chicago as “Interstate 57.” While completing the interstate will take a number of years, this is a very important step in that direction.

The presence of an official interstate highway is one of the key factors that developers consider when determining where to make major investments, such as building new factories.

“The designation of U.S. 67 as a future interstate is an incredible milestone for all communities along and in proximity to this corridor,” Buck Layne, Executive Director for the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce said. “We have spent decades working toward the goal of completing this vital interstate connector to improve the transportation network and expand economic development opportunities for the state and region. While much work remains ahead, we are tremendously grateful to Senator Boozman for securing this language in the Senate version of the annual Transportation funding bill.”

Jon Chadwell, Executive Director for the Newport Economic Development Commission said, “The effort to have U.S. Highway 67 designated as the future I-57 corridor will bring new economic opportunity to both northeastern Arkansas and the state as a whole. The addition of an interstate corridor from Chicago to Little Rock will increase Arkansas’s position as the crossroads of America and give companies an even greater access to national and global markets, allowing communities along the corridor to compete more effectively for new industries and grow their existing industries.”

Resolutions of support for the I-57 Designation have been passed by the Newport Economic Development Commission as well as Chambers of Commerce in Bald Knob, Cabot, Jacksonville, Lawrence County, Newport, Sherwood and Searcy. Other expressions of support have been received from communities throughout the central Arkansas and northeast Arkansas regions.

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boozman.senate.gov

Unity Health CAMP

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:20:43 GMT

Unity Health CAMP (Careers and Medical Professions) will be offered this summer at Harris Medical Center for grades 10-12. This special summer program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare field and offers students opportunities to participate in medical-related activities such as first aid, CPR, healthy lifestyle education and basic nursing skills. The Newport camp will be July 11-15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch provided. The camp is free. Application deadline is May 3. For application requirements or to apply, go to http://unity-health.org/unity-health-camp .

Jackson County Community Alumni Database

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:19:10 GMT

Members of New Vision Newport Class 13 are teaming up with the NEDC to spread the word about an exciting new project. The Jackson County Community Alumni Database will connect former and current Jackson County residents with their hometown for myriad and varied purposes, from disseminating news to marketing economic opportunities and even mobilizing citizens on legislation affecting the area.

To join the database, simply go to www.newportarcity.org , look for the link to the Jackson County Community Alumni Database Project, click it and follow the instructions. There, you’ll be guided through a series of questions, and you can simply answer as many or as few you like. All information is confidential and will not be shared with any company, individual or organization. The information you choose to share will help craft how the database works for you, and you for it. For instance, an applicant who submits minimal information can expect to receive an occasional email detailing upcoming events in town. However, those who supply their educational background and occupation can elect to receiver notifications when a job in the area that matches their qualifications becomes available, making this an exciting tool for former Newportians who’d like to return to their hometown. Stay connected, be informed and learn about great opportunities. Join the Jackson County Community Alumni Database TODAY.

Contact Jon Chadwell or Courtney Baker at 870-523-1009 for more information.

New Vision Newport Class 13 Graduation

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:17:22 GMT

he public is cordially invited to a dinner honoring the 2015-2016 New Vision Newport graduates. The graduation ceremony and dinner will be held Tuesday, May 3 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Newport Country Club. Sponsors, past graduates and the general public are encouraged to attend to congratulate the following class members who have committed their time over the last eight months:

Della Allen, Tuckerman High School; Bobby Bailey, Unity Health Harris Medical Center; Calli Chadwell, M&P Insurance & Investment Services; Billy Borie, Sockets & Sprockets; Phillip Brown, I Make a Difference (IMAD); Beth Canard, Merchants & Planters Bank; Courtney Baker, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer Dewitt, Shearer’s Foods; Adam Fields, Newport Fire Department; John McFarland, Jackson County Cooperative Extension Service; Sean Porter, Shearer’s Foods; Darah Rounds, Arkansas Center for Independence; Pansy Rucker, Arkansas Department of Corrections; Jessica Scoggins, Artist; Clark Secrease, Harris Ford; Tyler Shelton, George Kell Motors; Hunter Smith, Arkansas Steel Associates; Ricardo Solis, Famers Electric Cooperative, Teriann Turner, ASU-Newport; Jessie McGee, Subway in Walmart; and Kay Woodruff, Lindley Health & Rehab.

The evening will feature presentations for four team projects: Paint the Port Program, Downtown Exercise Park, Greyhound Dog Park and the Jackson County Community Alumni Database Project.

Dinner is $22 per person. For reservations, send payment to 201 Hazel Street, Newport, AR 72112 or call the Chamber office at (870) 523-3618 no later than Thursday, April 28.

New Vision Newport is an adult leadership development program of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. It offers class members leadership skills, a greater knowledge of various aspects of our community, on-site visits to local businesses and manufacturers, a trip to Little Rock, team building and relationship building skills. The goal of participants is to gain self-confidence, to achieve personal goals and to be a better and more productive citizen in the workplace and the community.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Music Through the Decades

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 20:22:37 GMT

Ticket Distribution for “Music Through the Decades”
At ASU-Newport to Begin Monday

NEWPORT (Ark.) 1/28/2016 – Ticket distribution for Arkansas State University’s
2016 Black History Month performance, “Music Through the Decades,” will
begin Monday, February 1. The concert, featuring G3, will feature music
from many of the African-American artists whose music helped shape America.

The concert is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 p.m., and although
admission is free, it is a ticketed event. Tickets are limited to four per
person, and may be obtained by logging on to tickets.asun.edu or visiting
the ASUN Business Office on the Newport campus.

Back by popular demand, G3, under the direction of Garry Goin, wowed a
sellout audience in 2015 with their “Tribute to the Music of Stax Records.”
Music fans can expect the same high-energy, awesome male and female vocals,
first-rate sound and a vast array of the music they love from many of
America’s most influential artists, including Ray Charles, Muddy Waters,
Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Otis Redding, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson,
Earth Wind & Fire, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Bruno
Mars.

Goin honed his chops playing in groups that played everything from Jimi
Hendrix to Roy Clarke to Earth Wind & Fire, eventually settling in Ft.
Lauderdale, where his band backed Sly Stone. After nearly a decade in
Florida, Goin moved to Memphis, where he currently resides and where he met
Grammy-winning producer, composer, and all-around music legend David Porter,
who has served as a mentor and partner in Goin’s growing career as a
performer, producer, and songwriter. When he’s not performing with G3, Goin
might be on the road with jazz genius Kirk Whalum or in the studio with
Justin Timberlake. Goin and G3 also serve as the house band for the NBA
Memphis Grizzlies.

Cache River Ducks Unlimited Chapter Banquet

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:25:57 GMT

Flyer for 2016 Event

Please join us at the Cache River Membership Banquet – Newport on Saturday January 23rd, 2016. Gathering together as we celebrate the season with friends and fellow duck hunters at the annual Cache River Ducks Unlimited banquet! Plenty of great food and fun for the entire family. The new 2016 DU merchandise will be on hand, so don’t miss out on these limited edition items!

Doors open at 5:30 PM at the Silver Moon, 2719 Hwy 367, Newport, AR 72112. Dinner at 6:00 PM. Auction starts at 7:00 PM.

Ticket Prices: $45 Single; $60 Couple; $15 Greenwing; Bronze Sponsorships are also available for $250. Corporate Tables are also available with preferred seating.

For more information on the banquet, or to become a volunteer on the Cache River DU committee, contact Tanya Ray at (870)512-8176 or tanyaray72@yahoo.com . Or Thomas Crosslin at (870)664-0234 or crosslin@arkansassteel.com .

There will be a Dinner, Live Auction, Raffle Tables, Several Guns, and Coolers at the event. All Greenwings that attend will receive a doorprize!!!

2016 8th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show Materials Available

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:25:03 GMT

All of the materials for the Delta Visual Arts Show are available at this link.

After you follow the link, then scroll to the bottom of the page and you can download

Feel free to email us at director@newportaredc.org if you have any questions.

https://www.newportarcity.org/tourism#AnnualEventsandFestivals

8th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show Press Release

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 20:28:51 GMT

8th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show Reaches Capacity with 181 Artists

The Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts announces the 8th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in downtown Newport, Arkansas. The show will be open to the public at 10 a.m. and runs through 6 p.m. This year’s show features 181 artists from three states and 61 Arkansas communities, highlighting primarily artists who grew up in the Delta, live or have lived in the Delta or who produce Delta themed work. The visual art covers a broad range of art from pottery to painting and jewelry to sculpture.

The show will be held at several locations in downtown Newport including, the Iron Mountain Train Depot on Front Street, the Newport Business Resource Center on Hazel Street, the old Post Office on Hazel Street, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Third Street, The First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Laurel Street, the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall on Walnut Street, the Brick Terrace Garden on Front Street, the Seeds of Faith Church on Walnut Street, the W.A. Billingsley Library on Walnut Street, the John Minor Building on Front Street and in two very large heavy duty tents that will turn the Hazel Street and Walnut Street into art galleries. Artists will have their work on display, and visitors will be able to meet the artists as well as purchase pieces. This is a unique opportunity to own an original piece of art and to understand how the artist produced the piece. Several artists will be conducting demonstrations at their booths during the show. The show features well-known artists from throughout the state and young new artists who are setting up for the very first time. For a complete list of artists participating feel free to email director@newportaredc.org.

In addition to being able to visit with artists and purchase art work, there will also be workshops throughout the day. The Delta Visual Arts Show will feature workshops and demonstrations for adults on various artistic techniques. All workshops are free and links to the event pages can be found on the Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts Facebook page under events.

This year there will be workshops for youth, with two workshops aimed at children from 4 years old to 8 years in the morning and two workshops aimed at ages 9 to 13 in the afternoon. The workshops are free and information is also located on the Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts Facebook page under events.

Featured again this year are Art Bucks Door Prizes during the show. Five times during the day, drawings will be held for $100 to be spent toward the purchase of art from the show. You must be present during the drawings to win. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the amazing creativity of artists who capture the Delta way of life in an amazing array of mediums. Plus, you have a chance to win money to help you take a piece of art home! The Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts is also hosting the 5th Annual Children of the Delta Youth Art Contest in connection with the 8th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show. Awards will be given in four categories: Pre-K and Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades, 3rd and 4th grades, and 5th and 6th grades. For complete guidelines and contest deadlines contact the Newport Economic Development Office at 870-523-1009.

The Annual “This is the Delta” Art Show for adults who are participating in the 8th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show will be held this year. Awards will be given in the following categories: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, pottery, mixed media, jewelry and woodworking. The winners, including 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category and a Best of Show will be announced by noon on February 27, 2016 in connection with the 8th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show. All entries will remain on display in the Old First National Bank Building (the John Minor Building) throughout the show. This year the show will feature several downtown eating establishments. The Downtown Pie Shop will be serving wonderful fresh pie and beverages from their building on Walnut Street during the show. MJ’s Café on Third Street will be open for their wonderful lunch options. Bridget’s Café will be open on Front Street right next to the Brick Terrace Garden venue. Sam’s Diner will serve plate lunches on Second Street. For the sweet tooth, Hazel’s Bakery will be open during the day. Convenient transportation from venue to venue will be provided by both the Art Train and the golf cart limo that will make regular rounds.

T he Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts project is a joint project of the Iron Mountain Regional Arts Council, the Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (DRIVE), Entergy, the City of Newport, the Newport Economic Development Commission, Merchants and Planters Bank, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and hundreds of local volunteers. Development of the show was facilitated by the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock. Funding for advertising is supplied through the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council. Artists from last year’s show also donated pieces that were auctioned to raise the majority of funding for this year’s show. For more information feel free to call 870-523-1009 or email director@newportaredc.org.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Local Economic Development Groups Release Combine Development Plan for 2016

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:40:44 GMT

The Newport Economic Development Commission, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, D.R.I.V.E. and other local economic development groups have released the annual combined development plan called the 2016 FOCUS. The plan outlines a coordinated development effort undertaken by the various groups in town along with outlining responsibilities for each group.

Follow the link below to review the FOCUS plan. If you see areas in which you would like to be involved, please feel free to call the Newport Economic Development Commission at 870-523-1009 or the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-523-3618.

2015 Shop Til You Drop

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 20:52:05 GMT

Win big prizes while you “Shop Til You Drop” and Holiday Open Houses

It pays to shop locally! The Retail Merchants Committee of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce has kicked off the 2015 “Shop Til You Drop” holiday promotion at 26 participating locations in Newport. By visiting your local retailers, everyone 18 and older will be eligible to register for more than a dozen great prizes:

$1,000 Shopping Spree Grand Prize

$150 Shopping Spree

Gift Certificates, Backpack and Autographed Book from All That I Am Books

ASUN Hat from ASU-Newport

Initial/Monogram Puff Bracelet from Charee’s Emporium

$100 Gift Certificate from Darling’s Fine Things

Two $30 Gift Cards from Farmers Oil Corporation

Free Oil Change from Farmers Tire Mart

Flashlight from Gilliaum Feed & Seed

$100 Gift Certificate from Helena Chemical Parts Store

Cypress Santa from Hohn’s Nursery

Accent Chair from Jones Home Furnishings

Auvio Bluetooth Headphones from Newport Technology Center-Radio Shack

$50 Gift Certificate from the Pink Poodle

Gourmet Food Basket from Purdy’s Flowers & Gifts

Kenmore Bagless Canister Vaccuum Kit from Sears Hometown Store

Necklace from Sophie’s Jewels

$50 Gift Card from U.S. Pizza Company

To increase chances of winning, be sure to stop by all locations! Participating businesses include All That I Am Books, ASU-Newport Bookstore, Cash Saver, Charee’s Emporium, Churchman Building Center, Darling’s Fine Things, Eddie’s Auto Parts, Farmers Oil Company, Farmers Tire Mart, Gates Eye Care Center, George Kell Motors, George’s Liquor Store, Gilliaum Feed & Seed, Harris Ford, Helena Chemical Parts Store, Hohn’s Nursery, Jones Home Furnishings, Newport Technology Center- Radio Shack, Norman & Baker Pharmacy, The Pink Poodle, Purdy’s Flowers & Gifts, Quick Lane, Sears Hometown Store, Sophie’s Jewels inside Dr. Falwell’s office, U.S. Pizza Co. and Wal-Mart Pharmacy.

Drawings will be held on Friday, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. The $1,000 shopping spree will be spent in at least five of the participating locations.

The Retail Merchants Committee of the Chamber encourages everyone to try and shop in Newport and Jackson County this holiday season.

2015 Holiday Open House

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 20:42:24 GMT

Holiday Open Houses will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8

Get registered for Shop Til You Drop prizes including a $1,000 shopping spree!

Cure your cabin fever on Tuesday by visiting several of your local merchants for a Holiday Open House! Extended shopping hours will be offered for the event with refreshments and special offers for one day only. Grab your friends and take care of your entire Christmas list. You’ll be surprised at what you can find right here at home.

All That I Am Books in downtown Newport will have refreshments and drawings for When The Tables Turn merchandise and a computer lab gift certificate until 7 p.m.
ASU-Newport Bookstore in the Student/Community Center is offering refreshments and 25% off your total purchase (excludes books) until 7 p.m.
Check out Charee’s Emporium for specials and a one-night-only drawing for a Charee’s Emporium gift certificate until 7 p.m.
Darling’s Fine Things will host Girls’ Night Out from 2 to 7 p.m. with free gift-wrapping, sip and sweets, door prizes and other treats. And guys, Santa’s elves can help you make your selections too!
Helena Chemical Parts Store on Hwy. 367 North will have special discounts and refreshments until 6 p.m.
At Hohn’s Nursery, check out the fantastic holiday deals during the open house until 6 p.m.
Jones Home Furnishings will be offering shopping specials from 5 to 7 p.m.
Newport Technology Center-Radio Shack will be open until 7 p.m. for 20% off all toys.
Pink Poodle will give away two $50 gift certificates, a Christmas shirt and an Akola necklace plus a Shop & Shop. Open until 7 p.m.
Purdy’s Flowers & Gifts will hold their traditional Purdy’s “Taste of Christmas” with a sampling of gourmet food items until 7 p.m.
Sophie’s Jewels inside Dr. Falwell’s office behind Village Mall is offering 20% off storewide until 7 p.m.

The Holiday Open House event is held in conjunction with the annual Shop Til You Drop holiday giveaways, a retail merchants’ promotion of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. Make plans to support our local retailers during this year’s Holiday Open House event.

Newport: The New Portal to Medicine

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 20:58:29 GMT

Your presence is requested this Thursday at noon for a ribbon cutting and meet & greet reception at the new Continuity Care Clinic (details below). We are really wanting to have a great crowd for this event to welcome four new internal medicine residents. Please confirm if you will or will not be able to attend.

Unity Health-Harris Medical Center is proud to announce that primary care availability in Newport has been expanded by four physicians. The addition of a new Continuity Care Clinic, located at 1200 McLain St., Suite G, will provide four Internal Medicine Residents, who are included in Unity Health’s inaugural class of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. “These physicians are fully licensed practitioners who are now residents in training. They have the capability of building their own practice, with a solid patient base, while serving in Newport,” says Darren Caldwell, VP/Administrator of Unity Health-Harris Medical Center. “We feel like this is a phenomenal recruitment opportunity, because these doctors will have already grown their own practice over the past three years. This provides excellent incentive to retain physicians right here in Newport by growing our own.”

A benefit of this type of clinic is the focused attention of all four providers who are following the patient’s medical needs. The Continuity Care Clinic will be available every Thursday from 8:00am – 5:00pm. Appointments can be made by calling 870-523-9852.

The community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting and meet & greet reception on their first day in the clinic on Thursday, November 12th from 12:00 – 1:00. Ribbon cutting will be in front of the south medical office building across from the hospital at 12:00 noon, with reception following in the hospital community Room. The community is encouraged to come meet these doctors, with open arms, to display that wonderful southern hospitality and entice these potential full time doctors to lay down permanent stakes in Newport.

Newport Christmas Parade is December 10

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 21:00:54 GMT

The Newport Christmas parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 10 beginning at 6 p.m.

Entries are now being accepted at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce for floats, walking groups, antique vehicles, beauty queens, horseback riders, school organizations, etc. Participants will be traveling down Hwy. 69 to Malcolm Avenue then down to Village Mall parking lot. Plaques will be awarded for first, second and third place for both the commercial and non-commercial categories. Entry is free, and participants may choose their own holiday theme. However, Santa Claus will be flying in early from the North Pole as the last entry in the parade, so please do not plan a “fake” Santa on your float. Float judging will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. Please include the name of your business or organization on your float for judging.

Line up will be held in the parking lot across from Riceland Foods no sooner than 5 p.m. (McLain and Hwy. 69). Participants are asked to enter the parking lot from McLain Street and face toward Hwy. 69. There will be a line up crew on hand. The line up area will be very crowded. Those who are driving vehicles that will not be in the parade are asked to find parking on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69 and walk across to the line up area. If dropping off a parade participant, please do not enter the parking lot.

Entry forms are now available at the Chamber office. Completed forms may be faxed to 523-1055, dropped off at the Chamber at 201 Hazel Street, or emailed to director@newportarchamber.org or click this link for a form 2015 parade entry form (1) (1) .

In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date.

2015 Portfest Press Release

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:03:49 GMT

34th Annual Portfest Festival The Marshall Tucker Band, Little Texas and Josh Thompson will be the featured performers during the 34th Annual Portfest “Rollin’ on the River” Festival on June 5-6. Hosted by the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, Portfest is held on the banks of the White River at beautiful Jacksonport State Park, three miles north of Newport off Hwy. 69. One of the major Southern rock bands of the ‘70s, the Marshall Tucker Band was formed in Spartenburg, SC in 1971. They gained recognition through a tour with the Allman Brothers Band and found significant success during the course of the ‘70s, with most of their albums going gold thanks to songs like “Can’t You See” and “Fire On the Mountain.” Their peak came with the million-selling album Carolina Dreams and its Top 15 single “Heard It in a Love Song” in 1977. Still led today by founding member and lead singer Doug Gray, they represent a time and place in music that will never be duplicated. Opening the show on June 5 is Arkansas’ own Riverbilly. Along with their amped-up live show, Riverbilly’s incredible sound with three-part harmony combined together allows them to continue the winning of fans in city after city, night after night. Tickets for June 5 are $17 in advance or $22 at the gate (taxes included). Kids six and under get in free. Riverbilly performs at 7 p.m. followed by the Marshall Tucker Band at 8:30 p.m. Josh Thompson burst onto the music scene in 2009 with his debut single “Beer on the Table” followed by the success 2010’s singles “Won’t Be Lonely Long” and “Way Out Here.” His second album Turn It Up debuted at number seven on the Top Country Albums Chart and features “Cold Beer with Your Name on It” and his current single, the album’s title track, “Turn It Up.” Thompson’s live shows have earned him a solid fan base and gained him plenty of respect from those other acts that dared to follow him – including Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Justin Moore and Lynyrd Skynyrd, all of whom have taken Thompson on the road. Founded in 1998, Little Texas produced hit singles throughout the early to mid-90s. “First Time for Everything,” “What Might Have Been,” “God Blessed Texas,” “My Love,” “Kick a Little,” and “Amy’s Back in Austin” are just a few of the most popular releases from their gold, platinum and double platinum albums. Country fans the world over richly rewarded the band, buying up over 7 million of their albums, while critics showered them with 3 Grammy nominations plus honors from both the Academy of Country Music (Vocal Group Of The Year) and the Country Music Association (Album Of The Year). Tickets for June 6 are $12 either in advance or at the gate before 4 p.m. (taxes included; they will increase to $17 at the gate after 4 p.m. (taxes included). Kids six and under get in free. Little Texas is set for 7 p.m. followed by Josh Thompson at 8:30 p.m. with the fireworks extravaganza ending the show. Tickets will be available at outlets throughout the region including Searcy, Batesville, Jonesboro and Newport. Portfest welcomes Kenny’s Funland Carnival on June 3-6 at Jacksonport State Park. In addition, attractions for kids of all ages are free with admission on June 6 and include pony rides, inflatables, a petting zoo, trackless train rides, rock climbing wall and much more. A buddy bass fishing tournament, horseshoe pitching and Baggo tournaments will also be held on June 6. Other dates to remember: Portfest 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 16 at ASU-Newport and the free Kids Fishing Derby at Newport Lake on Saturday, May 30. Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs! Coolers are welcome, but there will be a $10 cooler fee at the gate. Free parking. For a complete schedule of events, go to www.portfest.org. Find Portfest Festival on Facebook or on Twitter @portfest.

New Front Street Park Press Release

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:02:07 GMT

Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.) has worked for the last eleven years as a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing downtown Newport. A number of milestones have been reached during that time, which include the location twelve new businesses in the downtown area, a sidewalk and lighting project worth nearly half a million dollars and the growth of annual events like the Delta Visual Arts Show and Depot Days, both of which bring thousands of people downtown each year. On May 13, 2015, D.R.I.V.E. working with the City of Newport and a host of local citizens, kicked off its largest initiative to date.

Plans for a downtown music park and veterans memorial were released to the public and the major fundraising effort was started to construct an entertainment venue for downtown. The park will feature a permanent music stage, outdoor seating, green space and a memorial dedicated to veterans who have served from World War I through the present day. The stage will be large enough to host the popular Depot Days Festival each year. The veterans memorial will honor the men and women who have served in each branch of service by displaying the emblems of those branches along with the inscription “For All Who Have Served – Past, Present and Future.” Individuals can then purchase bricks to be placed as pavers within the memorial to honor veterans that have been special in their lives. The memorial will be lit at night and will be the dominant feature of the park.

The park will not only be a memorial park, but also an active entertainment park. KASU Public Radio in Jonesboro announced on May 13 ^th that starting in 2016 they will bring back the popular Bluesday Tuesday program and hold it from April through October in the downtown park. Bluesday Tuesday will bring free blues concerts to Newport once a month featuring talented blues artists from Memphis and the MidSouth.

RiverCountry 96.7 also made an announcement, sharing plans to hold another monthly concert in the park. During the same April through October timespan, RiverCountry 96.7 will have free concerts featuring local and regional bands. These concerts will feature some of the talented musicians in the southern rock, country and bluegrass genres from around northeast Arkansas.

ASU-Newport followed with the announcement that they will host a “movies in the park” program for families from April through October in the park. Once a month, ASU-Newport will show a feature film in the park under the stars. Patrons can bring blankets or lawn chairs and have some wonderful family time in downtown. Like the other events, this program will also be offered free of charge.

D.R.I.V.E. also announced at the event that the music stage would be dedicated to the memory of Terry Scoggins. Scoggins, long-time owner of Frank A Rogers Company, served on D.R.I.V.E., loved music and supported Newport with all his heart. His impact on the community continues in much of the work that is done. By dedicating the stage, D.R.I.V.E. wants to honor the memory and the legacy of one of Newport’s most passionate and active citizens.

The cost of the park is estimated to be around $600,000.00. The fundraising effort for the park kicked off on May 13 ^th with the announcement of several pledges toward that goal. The list of the pledges, which is included below, totals over $370,000.00. Major donors who pledge $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 will receive special recognition in the park. The recognition will consist of a large area of pavers with the logo or names of the major donors engraved on them. They will range from a four square-foot engraving for $5,000 to a sixteen square-foot engraving for $50,000. Pledges can be paid with the entire amount up front or can be paid out over a four or five year period.

Several ways were given that would allow people to help the park become a reality. Companies or individuals can consider making a major pledge that will go toward the cost of the park as mentioned above. The purchase of bricks for veterans will also help in the park construction as 100% of the proceeds from the bricks will be used in the park. In addition to the bricks for the veterans area, there will be an additional section of the park where bricks can be purchased in honor of, memory of or recognition of others who are important in a person’s life. Finally, D.R.I.V.E. will also consider and accept in-kind donations of labor and materials that will aid the construction of the park, within the specifications necessary for completion.

The contacts with D.R.I.V.E. for more information are Jon Chadwell and Julie Allen who can be reached at (870) 523-1009 or director@newportaredc.org . D.R.I.V.E. is a non-profit organization so all contributions are tax deductible. D.R.I.V.E. is excited about this project which will bring a bright new future for downtown Newport while helping preserve the proud cultural past of the community.

Newport Christmas Parade

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 21:08:19 GMT

The Newport Christmas parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 11 beginning at 6 p.m.

Entries are now being accepted at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce for floats, walking groups, antique vehicles, beauty queens, horseback riders, school organizations, etc. Participants will be traveling down Hwy. 69 to Malcolm Avenue then down to Village Mall parking lot. Plaques will be awarded for first, second and third place for both the commercial and non-commercial categories. Entry is free, and participants may choose their own holiday theme. However, Santa Claus will be flying in early from the North Pole as the last entry in the parade, so please do not plan a “fake” Santa on your float. Float judging will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. Please include the name of your business or organization on your float for judging.

Entry forms are now available at the Chamber office. Completed forms may be faxed to 523-2528, dropped off at the Chamber at 201 Hazel Street, or emailed to director@newportarchamber.org .

In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date.

Newport Welcomes Clinton School Team

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 20:11:06 GMT

Newport Welcomes Clinton School Team

September 16, 2014

For Immediate Release

Newport and Jackson County are pleased to welcome a new Practicum Team from the Clinton School of Public Service to the area. The Team is composed of Joyce Akidi from Kampala Uganda, Alex Lanis from Ada, Oklahoma and Shanell Ransom from Columbia, South Carolina. Joyce, Alex and Shanell bring a great experience to the local project having worked on projects in Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Uganda, Haiti and Brazil.

The Clinton School Team will be working with a local steering committee on the development of a county-wide alumni database. The database will contain contact, educational and occupational information for people who have graduated from a high school in Jackson County or from ASU-Newport. In addition to developing the platform for the database and the mechanism through which to gather information, the Team will be assisting the local committee in developing privacy measures and usage guidelines that will govern the use of the database in the future.

One of the primary uses of the database will be to connect alumni from the area with job opportunities that might interest them. The hope is that by informing alumni of jobs in Jackson County that are in their field, it might encourage hometown people to move back to Newport and Jackson County. Another use for the database will be to inform former residents of opportunities to support their hometown. These opportunities could come through major fundraising efforts on large project, or through seeking their help to contact a broader range of political representatives concerning projects being sought by the community. Finally, the database can be used to share information about the positive developments in Jackson County so that the alumni of the area can be ambassadors for the community wherever they live.

The team was introduced at the Newport Business Resource Center on September 16, 2014 and they started their work with the steering committee. The final project plan and report will be due to the community and the Clinton School in April. For more information on this project and other developments in Newport and Jackson County, feel free to contact the Newport Economic Development Commission at (870) 523-1009.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Delta Visual Arts Show Receives a Grant for 2015 Show

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:14:26 GMT

Governor Mike Beebe recently announced grant awards made by the Arkansas Arts Council. The awards included a Collaborative Project Support Grant to D.R.I.V.E. for the 7th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show to be held in 2015. The grant award is $8,867 to go toward the support of hosting the show. Artists at the 2014 show donated over 150 pieces of art that will be sold at the Evening with the Arts auction and fundraiser in August to compliment the grant funds. “This support from the Arkansas Arts Council is so valuable to us,” stated Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission. “It will allow us to continue to keep the Delta Visual Arts Show free to the public and free to the artists.” Over 155 artist have already registered for the 7th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show to be held in February 2015. Since the show will be limited to 175 booths it is nearing capacity with nearly eight month to go before the event. For more information about the Delta Visual Arts Show feel free to email your questions to director@newportaredc.org or call 870-523-1009.

New Newport Smartphone App Unveiled

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:16:43 GMT

Would you like to be able to find the phone number of any Newport business at your fingertips at any time? Guess what, there’s an app for that! How about getting turn by turn directions from your location right to the front door of the business you seek? There’s an app for that too! What about a mobile community calendar that highlights the events coming up in Newport and Jackson County over the remainder of the year? You got it, there’s an app for that as well!

The brand new Newport mobile app is now available to download on all mobile phones; IPhones, Android phones and Windows phones. The app is made available by the Newport Economic Development Commission to help local residents and guests to the community connect with our businesses. You can download the app from your app store by typing “Newport Arkansas” into the search function and you will see a Newport, Arkansas app.

The Newport Economic Development Commission and the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce worked together with the City of Newport to obtain as complete a list of businesses as possible from the phone book, business license list and Chamber membership list. Corrections may be needed on a few businesses and changes can easily be made. Just email any changes to director@newportaredc.org or call 870-523-1009 and submit the changes that need to be made. It takes about a week for the changes to update on the app.

The app has a Business Directory that lists local businesses by alphabetical name or by category. The business listing has the name of the business, the address and a place for a two sentence description. Businesses need to submit the two sentence description to the Newport Economic Development Office if they would like to have it included. There is a “Call Business” feature that allows you to dial the business directly from the app and a “Show Map” feature that locates the business on a map of Newport. Using the convenient “Directions” feature you can actually get turn by turn directions from your location to the front door of the businesses you seek.

The Events Directory lists upcoming events in Newport and Jackson County that will be of interest to the entire family. The directory includes the title of the event, a brief description of the event, the event location, date and time. To have your community events included in the calendar, please email them to either director@newportaredc.org or director@newportarchamber.org .

A dditional features of the app include the weather, a place to sign up for the Newport Economic Development Commission’s newsletter, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming events email, a link to the Facebook and Twitter pages and place to request information.

So you want something that will help you keep your spending local and find exactly what you need while also keeping you informed of everything that is going on guess what, there’s an app for that! The Newport Arkansas app! Download it today!

New Vision Newport – One Class Ends and Another Begins

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:15:21 GMT

A graduation dinner honoring the 2013-2014 New Vision Newport graduates was held in May at the Newport Country Club. Sponsors, past graduates and the general public were in attendance to congratulate the following class members who committed their time to the nine-month leadership development program:

Lisa Banks, Wal-Mart; DeAnna Bowers, Jackson County Learning Center; Josh Brandt, Merchants & Planters Bank; Chris Clark, Farmers Electric Cooperative; Scott Cooper, George Kell Motors; Jarrod Eddington, Eddington Contruction; Bo Ellis, Jacksonport State Park; Jessie Emery, Harris Ford; Sherrie Hanley, Lindley Health & Rehab; Brittany Johnston, Purdy’s Flowers & Gifts; Ryan Lloyd, Highway Church; Lindsey McClellan, City of Newport; Sara Michael, ASU-Newport; Dallas Neal, Acxiom; Jorge Salinas, Newport Country Club; Sam Smith, Arkansas Steel Associates; Tristan Sweatt, Newport High School (student); Tim Watson, Jr., Watson & Watson; and Jessica Whitten, Harris Hospital.

In addition to the monthly sessions, the class was assigned to one of three community projects in conjunction with a partner organization. With their hard work, the following projects have been completed or will be completed in the coming weeks:

Preservation of a well found underneath the Wishon building on the corner of Front and Hazel Streets in downtown Newport. The team is in the process of installing a fountain, concrete pad and stone wall around the well using a grant from Sears Hometown Store and funds raised locally. The partner organization was the Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort.
Completion of a Merchants in May event to promote local businesses in partnership with the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. This team had dozens of participating businesses showcasing their products or services at the Village Mall parking lot on May 31. The event included food and activities for children and was free for the businesses.
Addressing old or damaged signs at businesses in Newport. Partnering with Keep Newport Beautiful, this team secured commitments from many local businesses who will either have their signs removed by the city or will apply for a ReNewport Grant through the Newport Economic Development Commission for a new sign.

We are very proud of these accomplishments by a great group of people!

We are taking applications for the new Class which will start in September. If you are interesting in participating in New Vision Newport or in having one of your employees participate, please contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-523-3618 or director@newportarchamber.org .

New Vision Newport is an adult leadership development program of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. It offer class members leadership skills, a greater knowledge of various aspects of our community, on-site visits to local businesses and manufacturers, a trip to Little Rock, team building and relationship building skills. The goal of participants is to gain self-confidence, to achieve personal goals and to be a better and more productive citizen in the workplace and the community.The body content of your post goes here.

What’s This Spice Receives Expansion Grant

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:25:23 GMT

The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) has awarded a jobs based incentives grant to What’s This Spice Company for an expansion of the company’s popular spice label. What’s This has received approval to use college logos on their various spices and rubs from the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). They plan to have a line of What’s This Spice products with the Arkansas Razorback logo that is targeted at college football fans and tailgaiters. The Newport Economic Development Commission is proud to work with local Jackson County manufacturing businesses to help them find ways to expand and reach new markets. “Helping our local industries expand is a win/win,” says Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the NEDC, “they are able to grow their business and we are able to increase job opportunities in our community. Our existing industries already know that Jackson County is a great place to do business and we already know that they are great business partners for our community so helping them expand is very rewarding.” Job Creation Grants from the Newport Economic Development Commission are available through the 1/2 cent sales tax approved and then renewed by the voters of Newport.

ReNewport Grant Awarded to 247, LLC

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:23:14 GMT

247, LLC has open a new Laundromat at 2505 Highway 367 North in Newport. They applied for and received a ReNewport Grant from the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC). ReNewport Grants were developed by the NEDC to improve the overall appearance of the community by assisting businesses in making exterior renovations to their facilities, thus making Newport more attractive to residents, visitors and new businesses considering Newport as a place to locate. The grants are a 50/50 matching grant with a cap of $2,500 in grant funding. The grants can be used for painting, landscaping, signage and other approved exterior improvements. The NEDC sets aside $35,000 of it’s budget each year for the popular program and local businesses are invited to obtain an application through the NEDC office. Grants will be awarded as they are submitted until the funds for the year have been spent. The Newport Economic Development Commission congratulates 247, LLC on their grant and on the improvements that they have made to their facility.

New Web Site Unveiled

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:27:26 GMT

The City of Newport, Jackson County, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and the Newport Economic Development Commission have unveiled a new web site design for the community. The web site is the first major overhaul since 2009 and represents a fresh approach to marketing the community over the internet. New features make the site very user friendly and offer a lot of information to visitors and residents alike.

Some of the upgraded features include a robust Community Calendar that the Chamber and NEDC hope becomes the go to place for learning about the things happening in Newport and Jackson County. The Chamber’s directory on the web site allows Chamber members to have a web address posting that can reach users with valuable contact information. Agendas and minutes from public meetings, including the Newport City Council and the Newport Economic Development Commission will be available online as well. Citizens will be able to easily find contact information for elected officials and government offices all at the click of a mouse. The Press section of the web site will provide users with updated information about things happening in and around Newport and Jackson County.

A brand new feature of the web site is the Tourism section. This section will highlight both annual events like Portfest and Depot Days and events throughout the year like Bluesday Tuesday and the ASU-Newport Patron Series. Listings will include not only the time and date of events, but also contact information.

For more information on the web site, feel free to contact the Newport Economic Development Commission at 870-523-1009.

Construction of New White River Bridge set to Begin

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:33:40 GMT

November 4, 2013

Newport Independent

The Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements to a roadway in Jackson County, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials.

The purpose of the project is to reconstruct one mile of Highway 367 and construct a new White River Bridge at Newport. Work on Highway 367 will begin at the curve, just north of the bridge. It will extend to Third Street. Bridge construction will be performed adjacent to the existing bridge.

Tanner Construction Co., Inc. of Ellisville, Mississippi was awarded the contract at $31,361,489.76.

The bridge that is being replaced was built in 1930. It is 2,831 feet long with a maximum span 400 feet. The city of Newport will take ownership of that bridge to preserve it. Hot Springs engineer Ira G. Hedrick designed the original Newport bridge, along with the old spans in Clarendon and Augusta.

Construction is scheduled to begin in two to four weeks, weather permitting. The project should be complete by early 2017.

Additional travel information can be found at ArkansasHighways.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @AHTD.

Bids Received for Newport Downtown Sidewalk Project

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:32:47 GMT

December 13, 2013

City of Newport

The City of Newport received bids for work on the Newport Downtown Sidewalk Project funded by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department through the federal Transportation Enhancement Grant program. Newport was awarded a $250,000 grant that must be matched with $50,000 from the City, provided by the City itself and three private economic development groups.

Six contractors bid on the project and after a review by the architect, MESA Landscape Architects, the bid will be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. Work is anticipated to start in early 2014.

Newport to Annex Land from Diaz

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:31:52 GMT

Newport Independent

After several weeks of discussion, the City of Newport and the City of Diaz have agreed to annex about 13 acres of land from Diaz to Newport in order for George Kell Motors and Harris Ford to build new dealerships on said land.
In turn, Diaz will receive a $120,000 grant from the Newport Economic Development Commission to be applied to upgrading their sewer treatment plant as mandated by the state.

As can be seen in the photo, the land in question is just to the east of the San Mateo community in Diaz just before the off ramp of Interstate 67.

According to Jon Chadwell, Director of the NEDC, discussion for the annexation began a couple of months ago when Dean Sides, owner of George Kell Motors, and Benji Harris, owner of Harris Ford, made it known that they would like to build new dealerships next to each other.

This area was chosen because both Sides and Harris already owned portions of the land and would bring attractive construction out on the interstate.

The problem arose from the fact that Harris Ford is located in Diaz which collects sales tax from the business and George Kell Motors is in Newport which in turn collects sales tax from the dealership.

If they were to build both dealerships in Diaz then Newport loses out on significant sales tax revenue and if they were to build in the Newport then Diaz loses.

“So, the Mayor (Stewart) and I sat down with Mayor Dwight Davis and with Joe James, city attorney for Diaz, and Steven Howard, city attorney for Newport, and we began to discuss a way to remedy somebody winning and somebody losing,” said Chadwell at a recent public meeting.

Their solution, to annex the land where the dealerships wanted to build into Newport, which will collect sales tax from both dealerships, and the NEDC would provide a $120,000 grant as a replacement for the sales tax that Diaz would lose for the first 10 years that they would then use to upgrade their sewer treatment plant.

“Diaz has a significant need to upgrade their sewer system right now and (the grant) would give them a replacement for the sales tax they would lose for the first 10 years, with the knowledge that if the dealerships built there that things would most likely build on the left side of that new road because the (annexed land) will only be the right side of the road,” explained Chadwell. “New things (businesses) tend to go by new construction, therefore, there would be the opportunity for Diaz to recoup the sales tax they are losing by something new coming in.”

Chadwell says the grant would be to stabilize the situation of their revenue during the period while Diaz is trying to attract something new into that area which the NEDC pledges to work with Mayor Davis on that behalf.

The City of Newport unanimously passed their ordinance for the annexation at a meeting last month, a public meeting was held last Tuesday and the City of Diaz passed an ordinance 5-1 Monday night to move the project forward.

“This makes it work the way everybody would like it to work and makes it where everybody gets something,” said Chadwell. Both cities get something out of it, both dealerships get to be side-by-side and it’s not a win lose situation for anyone.”

State Vets Home-Site Choice Seen This Month

accounting@splashomnimedia.com (Splash Omnimedia) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:29:06 GMT

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Director Cissy Rucker wants to pick a site for the new veterans home by the end of December, her spokesman said Thursday.

State law leaves the final decision of where to locate the home up to Rucker, with input from a veterans home task force created by the Legislature and from the Arkansas Veterans Commission.

Rucker closed the old Arkansas Veterans Home in Little Rock in June 2012. It would have cost an estimated $10 million to repair the 60-year-old home’s collapsed sewer lines, failing electrical system, leaky roof, and inadequate heating and air-conditioning systems.

Arkansas has had an application pending with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a new home since the spring as lawmakers, cities and civic leaders have wrangled over where the home should be located.

On Thursday the state Veterans Affairs Department released a list of 20 locations submitted by cities vying to host the new facility and benefit from the jobs it will create.

The potential locations are in Bald Knob/Judsonia, Benton/Haskell, Clarksville, Crossett, Fordyce, Fort Chaffee, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Monticello, Mountain View, Newport, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Russellville, Searcy, Trumann, Vilonia and White Hall.

Jacksonville and Little Rock each submitted two locations.

The state Veterans Affairs Department is sending copies of the cities’ applications to the heads of the Veterans Commission and the Legislature’s task force, department spokesman Kelly Ferguson said.

The Arkansas Veterans Commission has called a special public meeting to discuss the locations at 10 a.m. Dec. 17 in room 130 at the state Capitol.

Rucker has asked for a recommendation from both groups by Dec. 19, Ferguson said.

“We’d like to have it done so we can have a site for the paperwork for the federal VA somewhere around the first of the year,” she said.

The U.S. Veterans Affairs Department has had the state application, with a placeholder site listed, since the spring. With state and federal funding, the state expects to have about $22 million for the project.

The state Veterans Affairs Department is also winnowing its list of design firms that could build the home, Ferguson said.

Earlier this year the 22-member task force created by the Legislature solicited applications and visited proposed sites over six months but was unable to agree on a location. Ferguson said several that had applied through the task force resubmitted information.

“We had to literally start from scratch,” Ferguson said.